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Luka Doncic Fouls Out of Game 3; Dallas Mavs Go Down 3-0 vs. Boston Celtics in NBA Finals
Luka Doncic Fouls Out of Game 3; Dallas Mavs Go Down 3-0 vs. Boston Celtics in NBA Finals

Mavs’ Luka Doncic Must Play 'Fun' Basketball to Keep NBA Finals Hope Alive: Game 4 Preview

The Dallas Mavericks host the Boston Celtics for Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Here's everything you need to know about the matchup.

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Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks

Game 3 was a roller coaster night for the American Airlines crowd. The Mavericks were down by as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter and miraculously got the game within one point. Unfortunately, Luka Doncic wouldn't finish the game. Doncic accumulated four fouls in the final quarter of Game 3 and fouled out with four minutes remaining in regulation. 

Afterward, the Dallas Mavericks superstar came to a realization.

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"We talk about how we come back from [21] points in the fourth quarter in the Finals. We were having fun. We were defending. We were running. Our pace was great. Just taking good shots," Doncic told the media during postgame availability. 

"Fun" is the keyword in his postgame comments. Doncic hasn't had many light-hearted moments against the ferocious, mental assassin defense in the Boston Celtics. However, as he does occasionally, Doncic will have to channel the frustration and anger built from interactions with referees and disperse them healthily for his team.

The Mavericks' clutch time should always feature Doncic unless he's not playing due to injury. Perhaps some of the fourth-quarter fouls were questionable; however, No. 77 can only control his emotions and actions on the court, so make the most of the moment. Dallas is in the Finals, and while pressure rises from such a grand stage, joy from the excitement should also. 

Pride will also be a factor for the Mavericks in Game 4. Following Game 3's loss, the media had a field day with Doncic's absent defensive performance. ESPN's Brian Windhorst said, "They [Celtics] are ahead in this series because of how they attacked him [Doncic] defensively. 

While the previously quoted statement is a bit of a stretch, there is validity between the lines. During the NBA Finals, while Doncic's offense has kept the Mavs from getting blown out every game, footage showcases No.77 allowing his defensive assignment to dribble past him with little to no resistance. 

Doncic must find fun in basketball while staying alive on defense for the Mavericks to extend the series. 

Mavericks vs. Celtics Injury Report

Boston Celtics

Kristaps Porzingis (QUESTIONABLE) - left posterior tibialis

Dallas Mavericks

  • Luka Doncic (PROBABLE) - thoracic)

WHERE: American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)

WHEN: Friday, June 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. CT

TV: ABC

ODDS: The Mavericks are one-point underdogs against the Celtics

FINAL WORD: Dallas isn't supposed to be in the NBA Finals. At least, that's what the analysts, critics, and media talking heads said of the Mavericks in nearly every postseason series. However, Doncic and Kyrie Irving put their team in a position to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy.

Whether Dallas pulls off a grand heist of a 3-0 series deficit comeback, the journey should be appreciated. Still, the competitive side of the Mavericks must shine to treat the fans in attendance. Boston's dominance has swayed the oddsmakers to figure the Mavs as underdogs at home. It's time for the Mavericks to prove the doubters wrong and display pride for their home crowd.