Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks may have entered the 2024 NBA Finals as the underdog, but no one who calls themselves a basketball analyst would have counted them out against the Boston Celtics. However, from the get-go, it was apparent that the Celtics posed a ton of matchup issues that the Mavericks hadn't yet encountered throughout their postseason run. Now, Doncic and company find themselves down 3-0 in the series, and in a must-win game, the Slovenian superstar wasn't up to the task.

Doncic put up 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists, but that doesn't show what a disastrous game he had, particularly on the defensive end. In fact, it got so bad that he fouled out after accumulating four fouls in the final period, forcing him out of action for the final 4:12 of the game — stopping the Mavericks' comeback bid in its tracks. ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst proceeded to tear into Doncic after the game, saying that Doncic is “the reason why the Mavericks won't win”.

Those are fiery words for any prominent media member to unload on one of the league's biggest stars in the grandest stage of the NBA. But it's hard to say that Windhorst wasn't justified in his words. Many fans found it refreshing that Windhorst was willing to say the difficult truth and they proceeded to immortalize the moment via the meme treatment.

Celtics fans used Brian Windhorst's rant as fuel to jeer the Mavericks star even further as they fall on the brink of elimination following a heartbreaking Game 3 loss.

“Brian windhorst said what needed to be said Cry harder 🤡.” – @Tb12goat1991

“Brian Windhorst didn’t say one lie about Luka. I’ve been saying this but I don’t have the platform lol.” – @All_InGoodFaith

“When Windhorst unloads the clip no one else is better.” – @ImNotOwned

Mavericks fans, however, pushed back, saying that Brian Windhorst only opened up a can of worms with his criticisms of Luka Doncic. While some of what the ESPN said rings true, his words only served to pave the way for some overblown criticism of Doncic's impact.

“Hey buddy – he's in the f**king Finals as *by far* the best player on the team, playing injured, against a much better squad. Sounds like Windy needed a soundbite!” – @KeenanWomack

“Everyone is championing that Windhorst clip and its like… celebrating scorched earth without context. Lebron lost in the finals, publicly blamed his coach (who is now the top HC in the league), and called america broke. Never heard Windy say ANYTHING even close to this.” – @initiumnovum_

“Luka haters have been waiting for this moment to dog on him and Windhorst gave them that opportunity. Disgusting. He's 25 and accomplished way more than any of these trolls will ever do in their whole life. He's imperfect and needs work but this narrative building is gross.” – @mavsmarie

Whatever the case may be, Luka Doncic has to take responsibility for his shortcomings, especially on defense. Doncic is only 25 years old, so he has time on his side when it comes to his pursuit of a championship. But there are no guarantees that the Mavericks ever make it this far again. This was Doncic's golden opportunity, but he has to be better — starting in Game 4 on Friday night with their championship hopes on the line.

There is no better teacher than failure for Luka Doncic, Mavericks

Even the best of the best have needed to fall down before they can pick themselves back up and call themselves champions. For instance, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were hardened by their loss in the 2022 NBA Finals, and now, their Celtics need to win one more game to redeem themselves from that defeat.

The Mavericks franchise knows all too well about how a heartbreak deep in the playoffs could strengthen a star's resolve. It took Dirk Nowitzki five years to avenge his loss in the Finals in 2006, making it all the more sweet when he finally broke through.

Luka Doncic may be on the cusp of being swept in the Finals (it's not over until it's over, but it's worth mentioning that teams up 3-0 in the playoffs are undefeated in the entire history of the association), but even LeBron James, the arguable greatest player of all time, got swept back in 2007. He bounced back and won four championships later in his career.

Doncic now knows the level that is required of him, and the criticism he's been receiving should only motivate to work even harder on his game — the same way the 2011 NBA Finals defeat molded James into a killer who won't be denied in his pursuit of a championship. But the Mavericks are still alive, and on Friday night, Doncic has to put up a much better fight.