Jason Kidd (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks hoped for a fightback in the series in game 3 after going down 2-0 in Boston. They almost pulled off a miraculous late comeback on Wednesday night, but everything went haywire after Luka Doncic was thrown out due to his foul troubles. The Celtics closed out the game with a 106-99 win and now Jason Kidd and his men find themselves in a 3-0 booby trap.

Following the game, the Mavs Head Coach conducted his media duties and among the many things discussed, the most important one was perhaps, how the team would bounce back after this brutal body blow. “We”ll watch our film tomorrow and get ready for Friday,” said a visibly dejected Jason Kidd.

From this point forward, every game will be a series decider and one missed step could evaporate their championship aspirations. The Mavs have to make sure that the moment like Doncic’s ejection is strictly avoided. But where will Kidd hide his main man when it comes to defensive performance? The HC discussed that as well.

Jason Kidd Talks About Celtics Targeting Doncic

Throughout the season, the Celtics’ game plan was simple; get the ball, drive at Doncic. It worked like a charm as the Slovenian proved to be a defensive liability to his side despite his offensive brilliance. Doncic contributed 27 points in game 3, keeping his offensive rally going, but defending was far a different story.

Late in the fourth quarter, Doncic committed his 6th foul of the game and was sent to the bench after a blocking foul on Jaylen Brown. While talking to the reporters, Jason Kidd stated, “He’s definitely got a bullseye on his chest, he’s gotta be able to guard and understand that we’re there to protect him and help him if he does get beat. … They are putting him in every pick-and-roll and iso [plays].”

Even in Game 3, Doncic had to leave the court with 4:12 minutes remaining because of committing six fouls and without his presence, the Mavs couldn’t display their strength on the offensive field. So, with a do-or-die game on Friday, both the guards have to strive for the best to continue their playoff journey.