"It's easy to talk about it but we showed it": Luka Doncic pinpoints "most important" aspect for Game 5 success in Boston
Luka Doncic was so pissed off after Game 3 that he couldn’t help the Dallas Mavericks in the last 4:12 after fouling out. Dallas rallied from a 21-point deficit to nearly pull the rug from under the Boston Celtics. He vowed to be better in Game 4.
As promised, the All-NBA guard came out much better, torching the Celtics for 23 points to open the game. Doncic’s eruption allowed the Mavericks to grab a 34-21 lead after the first 12 minutes ended. When he cooled off in the second quarter, Kyrie Irving took over.
It took about three-quarters of a beatdown before Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla surrendered by pulling out his starters. The Mavericks marched to the finish line, completing a 122-84 drubbing of the Eastern Conference champs.
Heading into Game 5, Luka Doncic had this to say to reporters about their belief despite being down 3-1:
“The most important thing to show is that we believe. If we didn’t believe, we probably wouldn’t have won that game. It’s easy to talk about it but showing it is another thing but we showed it.”
With their backs against the wall, the Dallas Mavericks put everything on the line to beat the Boston Celtics and make a statement. The Celtics’ hope of pulling a come-from-behind win didn’t last past the third quarter.
The confidence Luka Doncic and Co. showed two nights ago has to go up another level in Game 5 on the road. After the humiliating loss, the Mavs anticipate a more focused and determined Green Machine to line up against them.
Luka Doncic’s teammates will need his leadership and confidence against the Celtics in Game 5
The Boston Celtics had not suffered a loss in five weeks before they were hammered by the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4. Jayson Tatum and his teammates didn’t just suffer a defeat. They were humiliated on the road.
Luka Doncic’s confidence will be something his teammates will badly need to extend the series. The Mavs will face a team that is still likely fuming from the beatdown. They will also be playing in a jampacked arena that will be loudly rooting for the Celtics. If Doncic’s confidence stutters, Dallas’ season could end on Monday.
The Mavericks have been superb when their backs are against the wall. Jason Kidd told reporters that what they are facing isn’t “surgery.” They know what they have to do and will try to do everything they can to execute their plans.
Other than the Xs and Os, Dallas will be looking up to Luka Doncic’s leadership and confidence. If they can’t get both, the Boston Celtics could turn the tables on them in Game 5.