By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Luka Doncic firing 44 points behind 15/28 field goals did not prevent the Dallas Mavericks from dropping Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs First Round best-of-seven series against the Los Angeles Clippers. His side prevailed twice on the road but failed to deliver at home.
“The fans were amazing the whole game. I wish we could give them a win,” said Doncic, who also had nine rebounds and nine assists, “We will try again Sunday, and hopefully with the same energy.”
Doncic, 22, enjoying the support of the 17,705 fans in attendance, led an early surge resulting in a 19-point cushion. However, the visitors responded and eventually secured the victory avoiding a 3-0 hole.
“Nobody said it was going to be easy,” the Slovenian pointed out following the Game 3 loss, “We just have to keep playing.”
The heated contest featured a brief exchange with Patrick Beverley. Both players were issued a technical foul, but Doncic disagreed.
“I didn’t even know I got a tech. Somebody told me later. Why was that a tech? I just don’t understand,” he wondered.
European sidekick Kristaps Porzingis was limited to nine points despite a solid start to Game 3. “We should feed more in the post because they play very small,” reckoned Doncic replying to a question on his teammate.
“Below what I can do obviously,” said Porzingis regarding his performance, “Just frustrated at the moment and trying to keep my head in the right place. They were the better team tonight, and that’s it. I had great looks. I just missed the shots.”
Game 4 follows on Sunday.
Photo Credit: Getty Images