Though he was quick to point the finger, Luka Doncic was not the Dallas Mavericks’ problem in their Game 2 NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics.
The Mavericks defeated 105-98 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday night, and are currently behind 2-0 in the series. Doncic, who recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, was Dallas’ lone bright light. Doncic did, however, mishandle the ball eight times.
Additionally, Doncic only made 4 out of 8 free throw tries. He accepted responsibility for the Game 2 defeat and told reporters after the game that he still needed to get better in those two areas.
Doncic stated, “My mistakes and my missed free throws cost us the game.” “I need to perform much better in those two areas.”
It’s impossible to determine if the Mavericks would have prevailed if Doncic had committed fewer turnovers or made more free throws. With 23 points in the first half, Luka was essentially the only player that kept Dallas in the game. It is reasonable to question whether his health had anything to do with the fact that he was less productive in the second half.
The true problem for the Mavericks in both Games 1 and 2 is how little support Doncic has received. Despite his impressive performance in the Western Conference Finals, Kyrie Irving is only shooting 31.5% from the field in these first two games. All eight of his three-point tries have been missed by him. Despite his insistence that Celtics fans are not bothering him, the outcomes contradict him.
On Wednesday night, Game 3 will be hosted by the Mavericks. Given that no club has ever recovered from a 3-0 series disadvantage in the NBA playoffs, history indicates that game is a must-win.
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