NBA critics have been ripping Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic’s defensive lapse versus the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday evening. The Mavericks dropped a close game, 115-113, to the Jazz, despite Doncic, 25, leading the Mavericks’ scorers with 37 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists in 38 minutes of play.
The critics aren’t always right in their opinions, as opinions are just opinions. However, their opinions surrounding Doncic’s defensive lapse are most likely right, as the defensive lapse could’ve cost the Mavericks the game against the Jazz. Doncic was in the middle of the Mavericks’ defensive breakdown. The Mavericks lost to the Jazz on a final possession play, and the away team dropped their fourth straight game.
Luka Doncic’s Defensive Lapse
Like everyone else, Luka Doncic isn’t perfect. Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA, thanks to his offensive prowess, which helped him earn the right to be part of the NBA’s elite group. However, Doncic’s defense has been a constant pain point among his critics, who have every right to question his defensive skills after Thursday’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz.
The game was tied with less than 10 seconds left in regulation. Utah Jazz Guard Jordan Clarkson found Jazz Power Forward John Collins under the basket for the game-winning dunk. The Utah home crowd cheered in excitement. During the play, Doncic seemed like he was supposed to be guarding Collins, but completely lost the high-flyer in the paint to allow the go-ahead basket.
Doncic Takes the Blame
After the Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz game, Luka Doncic took accountability and the blame for his actions. Doncic said that he didn’t communicate well enough with the Mavericks. Depending on one’s interpretation, Doncic’s statement might not be sincere, as this wasn’t the first time Doncic has arguably cost the Mavericks a regular season or postseason game. The 25-year-old was previously criticized for his childlike screaming at his teammates and coaches during Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals.
In his postgame press conference, Doncic told the media, “That was a misunderstanding. I thought I was gonna go hit and [Quentin] Grimes thought he was gonna go hit.” Doncic continued, “We misunderstood the bench. That’s on me.” Doncic has been known to take responsibility for his mistakes and show a willingness to learn from them, but he can only talk so much. Many critics have criticized Doncic’s on-court behavior this past year.
NBA Critics Can’t Stop
Despite Luka Doncic’s accountability, NBA critics couldn’t stop criticizing Doncic, including a former employee with the Dallas Mavericks. Jeremias Engelmann, the creator of ESPN’s Real Plus Minus, wrote on X, “When I was with the Mavs I always found it weird how one of the least focused defenders in the league is left not subbed out for single, potentially game-ending defensive possessions. Can’t run the risk of upsetting him though!”
Engelmann wrote in another post on X, “This might just be nothing but reading tea leaves, But, last year, Dallas had a group of guys that stoically played defense around Luka [Doncic], no matter his effort level Now, I see a lots of head-shaking and hands thrown in the air. Something to keep an eye on.” Engelmann’s recent posts have been sparking conversations surrounding Doncic and his overall defense — and rightfully so.
Luka Doncic can’t go back in time to take back his defensive lapse, but he could dream, right? NBA fans didn’t give so much grace to Doncic like Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd reportedly did. The Mavericks lost their fourth straight game, as NBA fans’ posts on X claimed Luka Doncic’s defensive efforts weren’t enough to get the Mavericks back in the win column.
