Dallas — Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks had a rough two days between the conclusion of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday and the beginning of Game 4.
The talk revolved around his game, specifically the criticism of his defense and the referees, at least from Dallas’ perspective, as Boston quickly took a 3-0 series lead.
Jason Kidd, the coach of the Mavericks, defended his All-NBA guard before Game 4, labeling the criticism as “unfair or unwarranted.”
It’s true that nobody in this room is flawless. Give my man a break, please. Kidd begged, “Let him play the game.”
When the Mavericks needed him most—with their season on the line and the Celtics vying for an 18th championship—Doncic delivered.
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Analysis: Which Game 4 victory by the Mavericks over the Celtics ranks among the biggest NBA Finals blowouts?
Dallas’ commanding 122-84 victory on Friday forced Game 5 after Doncic scored 25 of his 29 points in the first half and added five rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Doncic stung the Celtics early in Game 4, which they now lead 3-1 in the series. As Dallas overcame an 11-10 deficit to take a 50-25 advantage, he scored 13 points in the first quarter and 12 in the second. The Mavericks increased their lead until they were ahead 115-67, refusing to give the Celtics even a slim chance.
Doncic remarked, “We were locked in, especially on the defensive end.” “We played quickly. I’m here to support my colleagues in any manner that I can. We simply must play that way.
Before Game 4, Doncic informed ESPN that he had a painkilling shot for his wounded chest. With Doncic entered the game, the Mavericks outscored Boston by thirty points, and he had his finest all-around performance of the series.
His field goal percentage was 12-for-26, but he was an expert 12-for-18 from behind the 3-point arc, scoring 22 points within the paint, including 10 points at the basket.
Mavs guard Kyrie Irving stated, “He made a few people eat their words in a healthy way, I’ll say that, in a healthy way.” “I don’t want to start any unneeded arguments between those players, the media, and myself here, or to curse or anything like that.
“This is his first chance and experience of being on this platform, of not performing to your full potential, or of being in the game toward the finish when every error is amplified. There will be a reaction if every error is made more apparent. It’s your guys’ responsibility to provide us with feedback. Hopefully, we handle it well when we go home.”
Doncic acknowledged the criticism, but he also stated that Kidd did not discuss it with him or let him know about Kidd’s pregame defense.
“He didn’t say anything to me specifically,” Doncic said. “But that speaks a lot about him. He always has players’ backs. He always supports us. That’s a big thing, to have a coach like that.”
Doncic averages 29.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.5 steals and 4.0 turnovers and shoots 47% from the field and 25% on 3s against the Celtics.
Some criticism is warranted. Doncic needs to improve his defense and curtail his complaints directed at referees. He fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in a three-point game. Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II implored Doncic to leave the refs alone.
“Look, going out there, the first two times you get fouled, don’t say nothing to the referees,” was the only thing I told him. All I have is that. “Just please don’t do that, and I’ll make sure you get open and comfortable on the offensive and defensive end,” stated Lively, who finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds to join Magic Johnson as the only other 20-year-old to record multiple double-doubles.
“So just knowing that he just makes everything on the offensive end fall into place better whenever he goes out there playing defense and he’s locked in on defense.”
“You’ve got to say something crazy to get a new contract, or likes, or clicks,” Kidd attempted to criticize the media.
After the game, Kidd persisted in his backing of Doncic. It was Luka. Luka has been him, Kidd remarked. There was just one Luka in the world. He was a really good player. He was excellent. He’s been excellent. He is among the world’s top players. Despite our want to be critical, he is an amazing player.
