Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

It was a Boston takeover in Texas tonight. Coming into enemy territory after winning the first two games at home, the Celtics ran riot against the Mavs once again, beating them 106-99 to take a three-game lead. Despite going down a hole that no team has ever come out of, Luka Doncic, however, still has hope.

156 times in league history, a team has tried to win a series after going down 0-3 and failed. And reacting to this daunting number after tonight’s loss, Luka didn’t seem too bothered by it, “It’s not over until it’s over, so we just gotta believe.” The Cs still need to win one more game to be able to call themselves Champions, and Luka’s squad will do everything in their power to try and avoid that from happening.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Moreover, if they play in the upcoming games like they played in the final quarter tonight, the Mavs might have a chance to do the unthinkable. Sparking a 22-2 run in the second half, Luka Doncic and Co. cut down the Celtics’ lead to just three points, and it looked like they might be able to sneak their first win in these finals. For the first time in this series, Kyrie and Luka both were on fire at the same time as Irving led the game in scoring with 35 points. Unfortunately, their momentum was halted after Luka got fouled out with less than five minutes remaining in the game.

What did Luka Doncic have to say about getting fouled out in Game 3?

Trying to stop a Celtics’ fastbreak at the 4:13 mark, Luka set a defensive stance to stop Jaylen Brown from getting to the basket. However, both players collided and fell to the floor and the officials called a blocking foul on Luka, his sixth of the game. Enraged by the call, Luka yelled at his bench to challenge the call which they did. Unfortunately, the officials claimed that Luka had not established a legal guarding position upon collision, and so, keeping the on-floor call intact. With that, Luka’s night ended early and the Mavs’ hope of making a comeback fell apart.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Addressing the officiating in tonight’s game, Luka seemed a bit perplexed about what he could have done better, “We couldn’t play physical. I don’t know. I don’t want to say nothing. You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals, basically I’m like this (motions with palms out). C’mon, man. Better than that.” Although the right call was based on the replay, the sixth foul on Luka could have been overlooked based on the intensity and physicality of the playoffs. But the official did what he did and the Mavs are now one loss away from losing these finals.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to stardom. Keep checking this space for more such updates.