Luka Doncic answers critics, keeps Mavs alive in Game 4 of NBA Finals - ESPN

DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd passionately defended his 25-year-old superstar before Friday's Game 4 of the NBA Finals, saying some of the «barbecue»-hot criticism of Luka Doncic over the previous couple of days had gone «a little too far.»

Then Doncic responded in the best possible way, putting together a dominant, poised performance to lead the Mavs to a season-extending 122-84 win, preventing the Boston Celtics from celebrating their record-breaking 18th championship on the American Airlines Center court.

«I think he made a few people eat their words in a healthy way,» Mavs co-star Kyrie Irving said.

Doncic finished with 29 points and 5 assists in 33 minutes, resting the entire fourth quarter along with the rest of the starters on both sides in the third-most lopsided game in Finals history. He had 22 points in the paint, more than all of the Celtics combined in the three quarters that he played. But Doncic's offensive brilliance has never been in doubt.

The criticism in the wake of Doncic fouling out with 4:12 remaining in the Game 3 loss that put the Mavs on the brink of elimination primarily focused on two facets of the game: his defense and his tendency to allow his focus to be affected by his frustration with the officiating. He made a public vow on the day between games to significantly improve in both areas and followed through on his promise.

Doncic, as he did during his 31-point triple-double in the pivotal Game 5 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, made a point to avoid complaining to the officiating crew Sunday. He channeled his energy into defensive effort and enthusiastic interactions with his teammates.

«We were locked in, especially on the defense end,» said Doncic, who