“We Were Having Fun”- Luka Doncic’s Perspective on Mavericks’ Third Quarter Surge vs the Celtics

“We Were Having Fun”- Luka Doncic’s Perspective on Mavericks’ Third Quarter Surge vs the CelticsLuka Doncic (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic, lost 107-89 to the Celtics in Game 1. If it weren’t for Doncic’s 7-0 scoring spree to finish out the first half and pull the Mavs closer, the hosts would have had a much more significant advantage. Coach Jason Kidd made it clear to Doncic and company inside the locker room to “have some fun” and not allow the spotlight to get to them.

Responding to Kidd’s directives, the Mavericks emerged with more resolve and concentration from the dugout. To trim the Celtics’ advantage to 72-64, they went on a 22-9 run, which was finished off by a 27-foot basket from Doncic. Despite falling well behind, Dallas appeared to be headed for yet another spectacular comeback.


Regarding the actions taken by the Dallas Mavericks during that time, Luka Doncic said the following (2:22): “We were just playing basketball. I think in those moments when we were playing our basketball, we were getting stops, we didn’t allow them to an offensive rhythm so we were having fun out there for a couple of moments and that’s what we are gonna do more.”

Making his NBA Finals debut, Doncic discovered that the Celtics were resilient under duress. Joe Mazzulla called another timeout to recover after Dallas’ game-winning run. The hosts stunned the visitors with a 14-0 comeback and took an 86-66 lead at the half. The Mavericks were unable to bounce back from Boston’s big run.

Luka Doncic and Co. Will Have to Bounce Back Ahead of Game 1 Loss in NBA Finals

The Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic accepted their crushing defeat in Game 1. They avoided trouble both times and encountered the same circumstances throughout the playoffs. In the opening game of their first-round series, the Mavs trailed the LA Clippers by 29 points before losing 109-97.

 

A similar thrashing occurred in the semifinals’ first game against the OKC Thunder. Doncic and company could not overcome a 25-point deficit and ultimately fell 117-95. After suffering setbacks, Dallas rallied to win both series in six games. They had fun once they worked out how to defeat both teams with higher seeds.

In the NBA Finals, Luka Doncic hopes his team can continue its recent success. The two postseason games that Boston has lost so far were against the Miami Heat in Game 2 and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2. The Celtics might be in danger. Doncic may enjoy himself more with his colleagues.