Statements
Luka Doncic's defensive struggles reached a tipping point in Game 3 when he fouled out with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Dallas Mavericks were in the midst of a remarkable comeback from a 21-point deficit, but Doncic's departure while trying to play defense marked a decisive turning point.
Doncic, attempting to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to draw a charge, failed to get set in time. The whistle blew, and a potentially game-changing play went to replay. When the call was upheld, Doncic's night was over, and the Mavericks found themselves trailing by three points.
Ultimately, the Mavericks fell short, losing 106-99 to the Boston Celtics, who now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead. The call that led to Doncic's ejection was close enough that a reversal wouldn't have been surprising, but the outcome stood, highlighting the pivotal nature of the moment.
Defensive Woes
Doncic's foul-out carries a degree of irony given his well-documented defensive struggles throughout this series. In Game 2 alone, he was "blown by" 13 times, a dubious distinction as the most for a single defender in the past 10 postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have repeatedly been detrimental to the Mavericks' defense.
While Doncic has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum, his lack of defensive effort has been stark. Tatum has consistently shown a stronger commitment on the defensive end, whereas Doncic has appeared disinterested, seemingly waiting for opportunities to play offense rather than exerting effort on defense.
Doncic's defensive lapses during the NBA Finals have been glaring, with observers pointing out his lack of commitment and poor positioning. Despite suffering from a sternum injury, Doncic's defensive shortcomings cannot be excused simply due to the injury. Historically, Doncic has never been a strong defender, and any perceived improvements have often been exaggerated by his supporters.
A Team's Defensive Collapse
Doncic's deficiencies have forced the Mavericks to essentially play four against five on defense. As a result, Boston has been able to exploit gaps, living in the paint and generating open three-pointers. Kyrie Irving's own defensive weaknesses further complicate matters for Dallas.
Doncic's defensive performance has drawn unflattering comparisons to James Harden's well-known defensive shortcomings. His repeated failures to guard shooters like Sam Hauser and his frequent lapses in awareness have been emblematic of the Mavericks' defensive collapse.
Multiple times, Doncic has been caught out of position, leaving his teammates to scramble and cover for his mistakes. His lack of effort in transition defense, often staying on the ground to complain to referees, has resulted in the Celtics finding open shots with ease.
Offensive Brilliance Overshadowed
Despite his defensive shortcomings, Doncic remains undeniably gifted offensively. He has consistently tormented opposing defenses with his scoring and playmaking ability. However, his glaring defensive ineptitude in this series has overshadowed his offensive brilliance.
In the playoffs, defense becomes even more critical, and Doncic's lack of defensive effort has been a significant factor in the Mavericks' struggles. While no one expects Doncic to become an elite defender overnight, a modest improvement in his defensive effort would make a substantial difference.
Other top-tier players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have managed to improve their defensive capabilities despite their heavy offensive responsibilities. In contrast, players such as Trae Young and Damian Lillard have continued to be defensive liabilities throughout their careers. Doncic is undoubtedly better than both Young and Lillard, yet his defensive shortcomings cannot be overlooked, especially in the playoffs.
Conclusion
The Mavericks now face an uphill battle with the series effectively over at a 3-0 deficit against the Celtics. Doncic's lack of defensive effort has played a pivotal role in this series, and his ejection in Game 3 was a culmination of his ongoing struggles. While Doncic's offensive talents are unquestionable, his defensive deficiencies have been glaring and must be addressed for the Mavericks to have any hope of competing at the highest level.
The defensive gap between Boston and Dallas cannot be solely attributed to Doncic, but his performance has certainly been a significant contributing factor. The Mavericks' reputation as a defensive team has proven to be a mirage, and without improved defensive commitment from their star player, their chances of success remain slim.