In-Depth Analysis of Luka Doncic's Defensive Struggles in Series Against Celtics
Fouling Out in Crucial Moments
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, a pivotal moment that drastically impacted the Dallas Mavericks' chances. Doncic fouled out while trying to play defense as the Mavericks mounted a comeback from a 21-point deficit. Attempting to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to draw a charge, Doncic couldn’t get set in time. The whistle blew, and after a replay review, the call was upheld, leaving Doncic sidelined with the Mavericks trailing by three points. Dallas eventually lost the game 106-99, and Boston now holds a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
Close Call and Defensive Irony
The call against Doncic was razor-thin, and it wouldn't have been a surprise if it had been overturned. Adding a layer of irony, Doncic's foul out came during a defensive play, exposing his struggles in an area that has been a recurring issue in this series. Doncic was "blown by" 13 times in Game 2, the most by any single defender in the past decade of postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have significantly hampered his defensive contributions.
Despite his offensive prowess, Doncic's defensive effort has been underwhelming, especially against Jayson Tatum. Unlike Tatum, who excels on both ends of the floor, Doncic has often appeared disengaged on defense, seemingly resting and waiting to play offense. This lackadaisical approach has been glaringly apparent in the NBA Finals.
No Excuses for Deficient Defense
Doncic’s sternum injury has been cited by some as a reason for his poor performance, but this excuse holds little weight. Doncic has never been a standout defender, and any improvements claimed by his supporters have been exaggerated. In this series, he has been a liability on the defensive end, forcing the Mavericks to essentially play four against five.
Boston has exploited Doncic’s defensive shortcomings by consistently targeting him, generating open 3-pointers and dominating the paint. The Mavericks' defensive woes are further complicated by Kyrie Irving, who is also not known for his defensive skills.
Comparisons to Other Defenders
Doncic's defensive efforts have drawn comparisons to James Harden's historically poor defense. The sight of Doncic trailing behind sharpshooters like Sam Hauser, pointing in the wrong direction and failing to help on screens, has been laughable at times. His lack of awareness and effort, especially in transition, has allowed the Celtics to capitalize on easy scoring opportunities.
While it would be unfair to pin all of Dallas's defensive struggles on Doncic alone, his deficiencies have been a major factor. The Mavericks, who were touted as a defensive team, have been exposed as anything but in this series. No one on the team has been able to keep up with the relentless Celtics.
Offensive Brilliance, Defensive Woes
There’s no denying Doncic's exceptional offensive talent, but his defensive ineptitude has been impossible to overlook in these playoffs. Unlike players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic, who have developed into serviceable defenders despite their offensive burdens, Doncic has shown little to no improvement. In contrast, he has joined the ranks of players like Trae Young and Damian Lillard, who have long been considered defensive liabilities. However, Doncic is more talented than both Young and Lillard.
For the Mavericks to have any hope in future playoff runs, Doncic must show at least modest improvement on defense. His lack of effort has been a significant factor in the Mavericks' predicament, and as the series stands, it is effectively over for Dallas.
Quotes Reflecting the Sentiment
“Many thanks to @CelticsUnite18,” one commentator sarcastically tweeted. Another remarked, “Honestly, look at that defense. He is roaming around out there like the kid you put in right field in Little League who just picks daisies all game.” The criticisms didn't stop there. One analyst quipped, “It is one thing to be outmatched defensively. Whatever Doncic is doing, it isn’t even in the same universe as trying.”
"You can go from a 10% to a 30% in chemistry class," another critic pointed out, "but you're still a failing student."
The consensus is clear: while Doncic is better than many of his contemporaries offensively, his defensive lapses make him a liability. For the Mavericks, this series has been a harsh reminder that defensive effort is crucial, especially in playoff basketball.
As the Mavericks face an uphill battle, the spotlight remains on Doncic. His ability to respond to this criticism and show improvement on defense will be vital as Dallas hopes to become a contender in future seasons.