By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Dallas Mavericks were digging their way out of a 21-point hole, but Luka Doncic picking up a sixth foul and being forced to an early exit did not help on Wednesday.
“We had a good chance. We were close. Just did not get it. I wish I was out there,” the Slovenian superstar commented on his ejection with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV.
“We could not play physical,” he added trying to avoid going into specifics about the calls made by the referees, “Six fouls in the NBA Finals… Come on, man. Better than that.”
Besides foul trouble in Game 3, Doncic has been playing through injuries over the NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel. Finishing with 27 points in 37:44, he made 11/27 from the field. His tally expanded to six rebounds, six assists, and one steal. Adding to a tough evening, he also had three turnovers.
With the star player of the hosts ejected with six fouls, the Boston Celtics held on in American Airlines Center for a 3-0 lead. All 156 teams taking a three-game advantage went on to win the best-of-seven series across league history.
With Game 4 keeping the series in Dallas, the team coached by Jason Kidd must win on Friday to force a Game 5 in Boston’s TD Garden on Monday. Otherwise, the C’s will be crowned champions for the 18th time in team history.