By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The clear picture of Game 1 prevented postgame analysis from Luka Doncic. Forced to a 1-0 deficit in the 2024 NBA Finals and disappointed with the team showing of the Dallas Mavericks against the Boston Celtics, the Slovenian sensation switching to Game 2 was a natural option.
“You lose or you win. First of four. We are going to focus on the next game,” he underlined in the postgame press conference in TD Garden on Thursday.
Dealing with numerous helps stretching across the defense of the Celtics, Doncic was limited to one assist in the first contest of a best-of-seven series for the NBA championship. Posting a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double fell way shy of a win.
His former teammate and fellow European, Kristaps Porzingis was brilliant, helping his side get into a commanding position from the first half. The Latvian big did not miss a beat despite a long spell on the injury list due to a right soleus strain. “He was great for them. He was knocking in shots. He was blocking shots. He was really huge for them on both ends of the floor,” commented Doncic.
Far from a stranger to high-stakes games, the former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and EuroBasket champion recalled his experience from Real Madrid and the national team of Slovenia, discussing his debut in the NBA Finals. “Obviously, this is a bigger stage. Those games, Finals, prepare you for this moment,” he said.
Staying in TD Garden, Game 2 follows on Sunday.