The Dallas Mavericks are one step closer to elimination following Wednesday’s 106-99 loss to the Boston Celtics. Luka Doncic ended a pivotal Game 3 on the bench.
Doncic fouled out with 4:12 minutes remaining of what was then a three-point game. He committed four of those six fouls during the fourth quarter.
In his post-game press conference, the 25-year-old pointed the finger at officials.
“We couldn’t play physical. I don’t know. I don’t want to say nothing,” Doncic told reporters, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals, basically I’m like this (motions with palms out). C’mon, man. Better than that.”
Many observers directed that same message to Doncic. During the ABC broadcast, Doris Burke blasted the superstar for chirping at the referees rather than getting back on defense as Sam Hauser made an open three in transition for Boston.
Brian Windhorst also torched Doncic’s attitude after the game. The ESPN insider called his defense “unacceptable” and said the Mavericks have “begged” Doncic to stop arguing with the refs so frequently.
“They have talked with him. They have pleaded with him,” Windhorst said. “He is costing his team because of how he treats the officials.”
Doncic fouled out with 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists, but he missed six of his seven three-point attempts. Dallas collectively shot 36 percent from downtown.
Dallas now faces a 3-0 hole that no NBA team has ever overcome. Doncic and the Mavericks will play for their season in a must-win Game 4 on Friday night.
“It’s not over until it’s over,” Doncic said. “We just got to believe.”
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