"Tatum and Brown got locked up": Fans react after eye-opening stat highlights Luka Doncic's defensive impact in Game 4
The Boston Celtics' dream of a sweep vanished in American Airlines Center on Friday night, as the Dallas Mavericks staved off elimination with a dominant 122-84 victory. While Luka Doncic showed his offensive prowess with 29 points the true story might lie on the defensive end.
An eye-opening stat sent shockwaves through NBA circles as the Celtics players went a combined 2-for-11 from the field when guarded by Doncic.
"Tatum and Brown got locked up" as one fan reacted
This defensive masterclass wasn't a fluke. Doncic, known more for his offensive wizardry, played with a newfound intensity, hounding the Celtics' stars on the perimeter and contesting shots with a physicality unseen this series as Fans took to social media to express their surprise:
"Finally some defensive stats that we can see from him to accompany the offensive efforts" said by one fan
"Dpoy " said by another fan
"Yeah but media said something something blowing guys or whatever" wrote by @THUMP3R
Some fans have been critical of Luka for not covering up on defense throughout the Finals, pointing to his late resurgence in production as them being too little too late as they trail the Boston Celtics 3-1.
"Well then he will be regretting for long time that he didn’t do that and the whole team is wasn’t giving they best in first three games … some great players need to learn from losing in the biggest stage …. There’s a reason why no one came back from 0-3 …." one fan said
"This just makes it more frustrating cause he can play defense when he chooses to and doesn’t" commented by another fan
If true, this would be a game-changing moment but one thing's for sure; underestimating Luka Doncic's defensive abilities might be a big mistake.
Luka Doncic's Game 4 heroics against Boston Celtics
Game 4 of the NBA Finals was win-or-go-home for the Dallas Mavericks. The Boston Celtics, up 3-0 in the series, appeared ready to put it to bed. But Luka Doncic, the Mavericks' Slovenian superstar, had other plans. He unleashed a dominant performance, leading his team not just offensively, but defensively as well.
Doncic came out aggressive, scoring 25 points in a lights-out first half and finishing the night with 29 points with 5 rebounds and dining out 5 assists in just 33 minutes. He showcased his entire offensive arsenal, knocking down threes, weaving through defenders for crafty layups, and finding open teammates for easy buckets and his defensive prowess as he managed to have five steals, giving the Celtics a total nightmare.
In the process, Luka Doncic became the fastest player in NBA Finals history to record over 100 points, 25 rebounds, and 25 assists, giving the Mavericks hope to do the unthinkable to make a comeback from a 3-0 deficit and to win the championship.