"Not over till it's over": Luka Doncic refuses to give up despite Mavs trailing 3-0 in 2024 NBA Finals
Luka Doncic was a picture of defiance after the Dallas Mavericks went down 106-99 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on Wednesday. The loss meant that the Boston Celtics are just one win away from hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy after taking a 3-0 lead in the series.
The mercurial guard led the Mavericks to a close run in the second half after an explosive first half, but was fouled out in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, giving Boston a chance to hold on to their lead and chalk up a win.
Speaking to the media after the game, Doncic still preached faith as he refused to give up:
"It's not over till it's over. We just gotta believe," Doncic said.
Doncic ended his evening with 27 points shooting 11-for-27 from the field and 1-for-7 from deep. He also recorded six rebounds and as many assists. Also chipping in was Kyrie Irving with his best NBA Finals performance this series, notching up 35 points, three rebounds and two assists.
But their collective effort didn't translate to a win. Historically, no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit in the finals. Dallas will have to rescript basketball history to win their first title since 2011.
Luka Doncic sheds light on fouling out in 4th quarter
Luka Doncic didn't attempt to hide his disappointment when asked about fouling out in the final minutes of Game 3. As the contest inched to a close, the WCF MVP was called for a blocking foul on Jaylen Brown that Mavs coach Jason Kidd wasted no time in challenging. However, replays showed that Doncic's leg moved upon contact and was followed by Brown hitting the floor.
This saw the officials rule in Boston's favor and the Slovenian exited the game with a sixth foul to his name, Doncic shared his views on the officiating, something he was vocal about throughout the game:
“We couldn’t play physical. I don’t want to say nothing. [But] six fouls in the NBA finals? Come on man.”
Without Doncic on the floor, Dallas still managed to get within two points before Brown hit a tough pullup jumper with a minute left in the game. P.J. Washington, Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. each missed crucial 3-pointers in the final minute as Irving’s losing streak against his former team extended to 13 games.
The action will continue in Dallas as both teams meet for a decisive Game 4 on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Celtics could clinch their 18th title and sweep the Mavs in the process with a win.
Can Doncic and Co. hang out and keep the series alive?