Sam Hauser and Luka Doncic (Image Source: X/NBA)

After going down by two games in the NBA Finals series, the Dallas Mavericks looked much more confident in their home arena. The team had some reel-worthy moments in the game that would wow every hoop enthusiast and one of them came from their ace Luka Doncic in the first half.

When the Mavs guard found himself 1-on-1 against the Boston Celtics’ big man Sam Hauser, who was blocking his way to the basket, he stayed calm and faked a shot. To this, the forward raised his hand but didn’t move his gaze from the ball. As he was not letting Doncic go, the latter tried to fool him with a fake pass.

This time, Hauser almost bought it and looked away, but then Doncic understood it wasn’t enough. He hit one of his trademark shots from downtown, gliding smoothly through the rim, giving the Mavs three more points on the scoreboard.

Despite Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s brilliant 62-point partnership, the duo couldn’t secure a win in the game. The night ended at 99-106 with a third loss for the home team, and the blame fell heavily on Doncic’s shoulders.

Luka Doncic Criticized for His Actions in Crunch Time

The Mavericks were spectacular in the first half, especially in the opening quarter, taking a lead of six points. However, as they couldn’t defend it until the last minute, Doncic’s action was criticized.

With more than 40 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Doncic headed to extend the lead but got obstructed by Boston’s Al Horford behind the 3-point arc. Though he could get away and shoot from the deep, the shot hit the rim and bounced back on the hardwood, and the 25-year-old fell after Horford made contact with him, but no foul was given.

Unhappy with the decision, the 5-time All-Star remained on the floor questioning the game official. On the other hand, the Celtics took advantage of the rebound and quickly moved to the other side of the court to shoot a 3-pointer, cutting the deficit to 3 points.

Commentator Doris Burke called out Doncic for remaining down even in the crucial situation rather than getting back on the defensive end, which could’ve changed the scores. “A moment where Luka takes a minute to bark at the officials, doesn’t sprint in transition, and you’re playing 5-0n-4,” she said.

As the game ended with a 7-point difference, it’s hard to disagree with Burke. Later in the fourth quarter, Doncic was fouled out of the game after a questionable call, which earned him his sixth foul of the game. The Mavs need to win the following game to remain in the series; otherwise, the Celtics will be declared champions on Friday.