On Friday, the Dallas Mavericks didn’t look like the team that lost three games in the NBA Finals. Instead, their heavy attack terrified the Boston Celtics and finally forced them to raise the white flags by the end of the game. Much credit goes to Luka Doncic, who has dominated their Eastern rivals since the game’s early minutes.
While many criticized the Mavs guard for his previous performances, his closest teammate, Kyrie Irving, stuck through his thick and thin. And following Doncic’s glorious show in Game 4, the former Cavs guard praised him while taking a dig at his doubters.
Speaking to the reporter in the post-game presser about Doncic’s comeback, Kyrie said “I think he made a few people eat their words. I’ll say that in a healthy way… I think this is his first taste of what it’s like to be on this stage and not play up to your capabilities… He responded very well. I think I expected it. I think a lot of people expected it that have seen Luka.”
Doncic broke the franchise’s previously set record in the NBA Finals by adding 25 points to his name in the first half and finished with 29 points, five rebounds, and five assists in their 122-84 victory.
It was not only Kyrie who stood beside the Slovenian; even the Mavs HC backed him up when many pointed out that the 25-year-old guard was vulnerable on the defensive end.
Luka Doncic Gets Jason Kidd’s Backing
Besides being targeted by NBA experts, Luka Doncic has been the prey to Boston’s offense. The opponents were aware of his defensive shortcomings and aimed at exploiting them.
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During the pregame interview, when the media asked Mavericks HC Jason Kidd about Doncic and the criticisms surrounding him, Kidd said, “If you’ve watched the Mavs, Luka has improved his defense. But we are asking him — or some are asking him — to be a shutdown defender. Well, he’s never been on an All-Defensive Team, but he’s been on five All-[NBA] Teams, first team. So that means he’s one of the top five players in the world. And he’s playing the game the right way, where he can find open guys.”
Kidd brought up the names of NBA greats who have bounced back after being criticized and said that Doncic has the same caliber to make a comeback. Following the Game 4 win, he was all praise about the guard.
Both teams will push their limits to acquire the Larry O’Brien Trophy. But a single mistake from Dallas would hand the Celtics their 18th championship title.
