The Mavs were close to coming back from a 31-point deficit this Sunday evening (116-111). But Paul George and James Harden held on in the money time against Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic to return to 2-2 in the series.
A deficit of 31 points which can be explained by a big difference in skill, the Clippers having started the game with an 11/17 from afar, when the Mavericks were on their side at 0/11, including 0/5 for the only Luka Doncic. Although he finished the match with a triple-double (29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists), the Slovenian was not particularly skillful. He finished the match at 10/24 on shots, including a 1/9 from distance which was a blemish.
Unlike previous matches, where he held up rather well against opposing attackers, Luka Doncic also struggled in defense, being targeted and quickly finding himself under the threat of fouls. No doubt it is partly linked to a painful knee. “It obviously hurts, but that shouldn’t be an excuse” also assumes the leader of the Mavericks. “I was too lackadaisical, I have to do better than that. »
The feeling of having to do more for Kyrie Irving
While Kyrie Irving for his part scored 40 points at a much better 14/25 shooting, Luka Doncic knows that he must do better to help his teammate. Especially since the duo took 60% of the team’s shots…
“I just need to help him more.”said Luka Doncic about Kyrie Irving, after two last complicated matches in terms of skill. “I feel like I’m letting him down, so I have to be there.” I need to help him more. He gave everything he had and was incredible for us throughout the series. »
Kyrie Irving is delighted to see his teammate expect more from himself. “ He wants to play well and he wants to have a bigger impact, even though he has almost a triple-double average on the series, but we are still critical of him and I think he is still critical of himself “.
Uncertain for this Game 4, Luka Doncic will have two days of rest to treat his knee before returning to Los Angeles. To try to regain home advantage in this crazy series.
