The two days from the result of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday to the beginning of Game 4 were unkind to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
The criticism of his game, particularly his defense and officiating issues, dominated the discussion, at least from Dallas’ side as Boston popped to a 3-0 series lead.
Before Game 4, Mavericks instructor Jason Kidd defended his All-NBA guard, calling the criticism “unlawful or unwarranted.”
Doncic scored 25 of his 29 goals in the first half and added five rebounds, five assists and three steals in Dallas’ showing 122-84 triumph Friday, forcing Game 5.
The Celtics take the series 3-1 and were stung by Doncic early in Game 4. He had 13 goals in the first quarter and 12 in the second as Dallas moved an 11-10 deficit into a 50-25 lead. The Mavericks didn’t provide the Celtics a sliver of hope, enhancing their lead until they were ahead 115-67.
“We were fixed in, especially on the defensive end,” Doncic declared. “We played with speed. … I’m here to assist them (teammates) in every way I can. We just got to perform like that.”
Doncic got a pain-killing shot for his bruised chest before Game 4, he said. And he’s bothered by an injured right knee and sore left ankle. Doncic has a lot to maintain. Still, he had his best all-around game of the series, and the Mavericks were 30 goals better than Boston with Doncic on the court.
He hit 12-for-26 from the court but a masterful 12-for-18 inside the 3-point line – 22 of his points were inside the line, including 10 points at the rim.
“He made a few individuals eat their sentences in a healthy way, I’ll say that, in a good way,” Mavs guard Kyrie Irving expressed. “I don’t wish to curse up here or anything like that, get into any useless beef, right, between us, those players and the media.
“This is his first chance and first taste of what it’s like to be in this position, and to not play up to your capabilities or be out there toward the end of the game where every issue is magnified. When every mischief is magnified, there is going to be a show. That’s your guys’ job to provide us your criticism. Hopefully we can go home and agree with it in a healthy way.”
Doncic is aware of the criticism, but he relayed that Kidd did not tell him anything about it nor did he say he was familiar with Kidd’s pregame defense.
“He didn’t say anything to me lonely,” Doncic said. “But that tells a lot about him. He always has players’ backs. He is always with us. That’s a huge thing, to have an instructor like that.”
Kidd resumed his support of Doncic after the play. “He was Luka. He’s been Luka,” Kidd expressed. He’s one of the largest players in the world. As much as we wish to criticize, he’s a hell of a player.”