Luka Doncic Fouled Out Late in Game 3
In a pivotal moment during Game 3, Luka Doncic fouled out with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter while attempting to play defense. The Dallas Mavericks were mounting a comeback from a 21-point deficit, and Doncic's absence proved costly. The Mavericks ultimately lost the game 106-99, and the Boston Celtics now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The call that led to Doncic's disqualification was a close one. Doncic attempted to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to draw a charge but failed to get set in time. After a whistle and a replay review, the call was upheld. The Mavericks were trailing by just three points at the time of the foul, and Doncic's ejection left them without their star player during the critical final minutes.
Doncic's Defensive Struggles
Doncic's foul and subsequent ejection were ironic given his defensive struggles throughout this series. In Game 2, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times, the most by a single defender in the last ten postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movements have seriously hindered the Mavericks' defense.
While Doncic has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum, his defensive effort has been lacking. Tatum has been putting in the effort on both ends of the court, whereas Doncic has seemingly been waiting to play offense instead of committing to defense. His sternum injury is not a valid excuse for his poor defensive performance, as Doncic has never been a strong defender.
Impact on the Mavericks' Defense
Any perceived improvements in Doncic's defense have been exaggerated by his supporters. His deficiencies have left the Mavericks effectively playing four against five on defense. The Celtics have been able to exploit this, living in the paint and generating open three-pointers due to Doncic's lapses.
Kyrie Irving's defensive inefficiencies only add to the Mavericks' problems. The combination of Doncic's and Irving's poor defense has left Dallas vulnerable to Boston's efficient offensive strategies. Doncic's efforts—or lack thereof—have drawn comparisons to James Harden's historically poor defensive performances. In one laughable display, Doncic was nowhere near sharpshooter Sam Hauser and was even pointing to the opposite side of the court.
Moreover, Doncic's failure to get into position to help when Brown rejected a screen multiple times illustrated his lack of awareness and effort. Adding to the embarrassment, Doncic often delivered bumbling shuffles in Brown's direction before giving up entirely. More than once, multiple Mavericks had to converge on Brown due to Doncic's defensive breakdowns.
Transition Defense Woes
Doncic's failure in transition defense has also been notable. Instead of hustling back, he has remained on the ground complaining to referees, allowing the Celtics to easily walk into open three-pointers. This lack of effort has been a significant factor in the Mavericks being outclassed by a wide margin against the Celtics.
A Broader Issue
While it would be unfair to place all the blame for the Mavericks' defensive woes solely on Doncic, the team's overall defensive reputation has proven to be a mirage. Nobody on the Mavericks has been able to keep up with the Celtics. Doncic's defensive ineptitude in this series is glaring and impossible to overlook, particularly in the playoffs where every possession counts.
Effort Matters
Doncic, undeniably a gifted offensive player, is not being asked to become an elite defender. Modest improvement and effort could make a significant difference. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic, despite their immense offensive responsibilities, have turned into competent defenders. In contrast, players like Trae Young and Damian Lillard have long been defensive liabilities—though Doncic is considered better than both. Nevertheless, his lack of defensive effort has been a critical factor in this series, contributing to what appears to be an inevitable early exit for the Mavericks.
The Final Word
Ultimately, Doncic's defensive performance in this series has been disappointing, if not outright laughable. The Mavericks are on the brink of elimination, trailing 3-0, and Doncic's failures on the defensive end are a significant reason why. As one observer put it, "Doncic's defense isn't even in the same universe as trying." The Mavericks' season is effectively over, and most of the blame falls on the lackadaisical defensive efforts of their star player.