DALLAS — Welp... here they are.
After winning 12 playoff games to reach the NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks are on the precipice of not winning a single one against the Boston Celtics.
The Mavs trail the Celtics 0-3 in the Finals, after losing a roller coaster Game 3 on Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center. For the Mavs to win the title, they will need to make history as the first team in the NBA's history to come back from an 0-3 deficit.
Heading into Game 4 in Dallas, here are three things to look for:
1. Luka: Part 1
Luka Doncic faced some national (and local) criticism after his performance in Game 3. And for the most part, it was warranted.
The Mavericks were in the throes of a crucial game and their superstar had his focus directed on the referees more than he should have.
Luka spent more time talking to the refs than Stephen A. Smith does on television. At one point, he was dribbling the ball and setting up the offense – while also harassing the referees for a call he thought they missed.
It was embarrassing, at times. And I had some Mavericks fans text me after, saying as much.
Not only that, Doncic fouled out with more than four minutes left in the fourth quarter, just as the Mavs mounted a miraculous comeback. Whether the calls were right or wrong, the Mavs did not have their best player when they needed him most. And it ultimately cost them Game 3 and – presumably – the series.
2. Luka: Part 2
Doncic has become a defensive liability for the Mavericks – again.
His defense during the tail end of the regular season was far better than any of his previous five seasons in the NBA. It started to erase the narrative that Luka doesn't play defense.
But in the Finals, the Celtics are hunting Doncic on defense. They are seeking him out. Setting screens until he switches onto the matchup they want or they're finding the open shot where Doncic is too slow or late to close out and contest the shot.
Maybe his assortment of injuries have played a role in his regressed effort. Maybe he doesn't want to overwork on defense in order to preserve his energy for offense. Maybe it's both. Or maybe it's because the Celtics offense is a dang buzzsaw because all five guys on the floor can shoot threes.
By spacing the floor and stretching the Mavs defense, Doncic has become more exposed defensively and he can no longer hide against an opponent's weakest offensive player.
3. 2006 vibes
The 2024 NBA Finals has a 2006 feel to it.
- 2006: Dirk - 3rd in MVP voting
- 2024: Luka - 3rd in MVP voting
- 2006: Dirk's 1st NBA Finals appearance
- 2024: Luka's 1st NBA Finals appearance
- 2006: Mavs lose Finals on home floor
- 2024: TBD
Start planning the parade for 2029.
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