Luka Doncic took responsibility Thursday for fouling out of Game 3 during the Dallas Mavericks’ significant fourth-quarter comeback against the Boston Celtics.
“It was tough. Probably wasn’t the smartest thing,” Doncic told ESPN’s Malika Andrews on Thursday. “It was a physical game. To get six fouls – I didn’t expect it.”
Doncic received a controversial sixth foul, sidelining him with over four minutes left to play due to a blocking call against Jaylen Brown on the perimeter. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd challenged the call, but the officials upheld their decision after reviewing the video replay.
This marked the first time in his 20 playoff appearances that the 25-year-old had been disqualified from a game.
The Mavericks, playing at home after losing the first two games in Boston, were down by just three points at the time of Doncic’s sixth foul. They had gone on a 20-2 run to nearly erase a 21-point deficit.
Without Doncic, the Mavericks shot 3-of-8 in the final four minutes, missing all three of their 3-point attempts. The Celtics held on to secure a road victory and take a 3-0 lead in the Finals – a series lead that has never been overturned in NBA history.
Doncic mentioned that the outcome might have been different had he remained on the court.
“But I have trust in my teammates,” he added. “I think we played some good possessions. I had belief that we were going to win the game. Obviously, having me out there helps Kyrie (Irving) a little bit more. So obviously, I think it would be a different outcome, but you never know.”
Dallas will attempt to avoid a sweep in Game 4 at home on Friday.
