Luka Doncic Fouls Out in Game 3 of the NBA Finals
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 in the NBA Finals.
The Costly Foul-Out
Here’s the problem: Doncic can’t foul out, not in the Finals, and especially not late in the fourth quarter of a close game that Dallas lost 106-99.
The Dallas Mavericks star is too valuable and indispensable.
Doncic missed the final 4:12 of the fourth quarter after committing his sixth foul, with the Boston Celtics leading 93-90. He had picked up his fifth foul just 26 seconds earlier and was frustrated about fouling out. “You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals, basically I’m like, ‘C’mon, man. Better than that,'” he said.
Growing Criticism
But that’s beside the point. The Mavs needed Doncic, who fouled out for only the third time in his career, on the court, and he wasn’t there. In those minutes without their All-NBA guard, the Mavs were outscored 13-9.
Criticism of Doncic, 25, is growing with each Mavs loss in the Finals. They are down 3-0, and the Celtics can sweep them in Game 4 on Friday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst criticized Doncic, highlighting his constant complaints about officiating, his defensive shortcomings, and his “unacceptable” performance in Game 3.
@WindhorstESPN mentions what has to change for Luka and the Mavs pic.twitter.com/vyzhoYMQ8g
— Stanford Steve (@StanfordSteve82) June 13, 2024
Challenges and Injuries
Now, Doncic is dealing with injuries. He was listed on the Game 3 injury report with a bruised chest and had previous playoff injuries with a sprained knee and ankle soreness. He’s a key reason the Mavs beat three 50-win teams in the Western Conference playoffs to reach the Finals.
He’s All-NBA for a reason. His offensive talent is undeniable. But in his first Finals appearance, he’s learning how different the game is and what’s required on both ends of the court.
Statistical Analysis
Doncic’s stats in the Finals are decent: 29.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, shooting 47.3% from the field and 32.1% on 3-pointers. The Mavs need him to carry a huge offensive load.
However, his fourth-quarter numbers, in two close games, are disappointing. He’s averaging 2.7 points, shooting 20% from the field (3-for-15), and 0% on 3-pointers (0-for-4).
He’s not the first star to struggle in a Finals debut, but it highlights areas where he needs to improve.
Defensive Struggles
His frustration with officials and his defense are well-known issues. They’re just more noticeable at this level. The Celtics, with their many offensive options, are targeting Doncic. Boston’s players create advantages all over the court against Dallas, and Doncic is struggling to defend. Sometimes, the effort isn’t there as Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Jrue Holiday drive past him with little resistance.
“Yeah, he’s definitely got a bull’s-eye on his chest,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “He’s got to be able to guard and understand that we’re there to protect him and help him if he does get beat.
“Again, he’s carrying a load offensively. They are putting him in every pick-and-roll and isolation. He’s got to be able to play the game where he can rest on offense and let others carry the load.”
Support and Growth
At this stage, though, outside of Kyrie Irving, the Mavs don’t have the players to help Doncic offensively, at least against the Celtics.
“It’s easy to point the finger at just him, say, you could be better. That’s easy to say. I think he knows that,” Irving said. “But, yeah, it’s reiterating that I have his back. We all have his back.”
The Celtics aren’t strangers to playoff disappointments and the growth that comes from those losses. The hope is that Doncic realizes the changes he needs to make.