The Dallas Mavericks blew a 20-plus point lead in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Warriors. However, many believed that if the Mavs lost it would be due to Luka Doncic's nagging shoulder injury and reported illness. Doncic was reportedly “up all night” with a non-covid sickness prior to Game 2's affair in Golden State.
But Doncic powered through and finished the game with 42 points on 12-23 shooting from the field to go along with 5 three-pointers and 8 assists. He added 3 steals and a block for good measure. Still, he could have used the injury and illness as an excuse.
But Luka Doncic is not about excuses.
“The shoulder is fine, it's all good,” Doncic said. He was then asked if he felt any pain during the game. “No, I don't think so. The pain for the shoulder is a little bit there, after the first quarter I was tired. But after that I was good.”
The Mavs' superstar truly did all he could do to win. Despite the Warriors unstoppable offense, Doncic somehow kept the Mavs in the game until the very end. But he simply did not receive much help other than 31 points from Jalen Brunson and 21 from Reggie Bullock. The next highest scorer on the team posted 10 points.
But Dallas's defense was the main problem. Their inability to contain Golden State's scoring charge in the third quarter was their ultimate downfall. Doncic and Jason Kidd admitted their defense was bad in the latter half of the game.
Luka and the Mavs will aim for a rebound performance at home in a must-win game on Sunday.
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