Celtics 'Picked On' Luka Doncic, Can Mavs Defense Better Protect Him?

The Celtics' offense heavily targeted Mavs superstar Luka Doncic to get him switched onto top offensive options like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

DALLAS — The primary objective for the Boston Celtics offensively in their 119-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks was clear: attack Luka Doncic. Doing so played a significant role in Boston overcoming a subpar perimeter shooting night, with Jayson Tatum scoring 39 points and Jaylen Brown adding 34. 

“They picked on one guy [Doncic] the whole night, and understand, we have to protect him,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “And we just didn’t do that tonight." 

Whether using handoffs, an off-ball screen or having his man set a ball screen, the Celtics had a layered attack to put Doncic into an action to force a switch and hunt him. Brown especially thrived in attacking Doncic, including a highlight reel play that featured Doncic getting dropped by a behind-the-back move. 

The Mavs felt they did not offer enough help when Doncic tried to hold his own on an island against Brown or Tatum, resulting in the Celtics putting the defense "in harm's way" on the attack. Without having a hot scoring night, the Mavs proved unable to overcome giving up big nights to Boston's wing scorers. 

"Boston is a team that puts you in harm’s way by driving the ball. The two guys had 39 and 34," Kidd said. "You won’t be in too many ballgames; we were still there, but unfortunately, when you have those two getting to the free-throw line and being able to shoot the three or drive, it will put your defense in a bad situation and a lot of pressure on your offense, and tonight we weren’t shooting the ball or finishing at a high clip.”

Doncic remains confident in the progression he's achieved this season as a defender. To his credit, he's completed plenty of impressive defensive stops this season in space, including against names like Stephen Curry and Devin Booker. However, he remains best suited to use his strength and quick hands in the post. 

"I tried to do my best, and I think my defense, I took a really big step this year," Doncic said. "But I think Jaylen is really good at attacking."

On the highlight play that featured Doncic being dropped to the floor, he's not afraid to risk sequences like that as he continues to take pride in guarding, even when the situation calls for him to take on the challenge of a player like Brown. 

"I saw that video. I can't lie, that was really nice," Doncic said of Brown's crossover. "I was on the floor praying he didn't make it, but he made it. I tried to do my best."

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As the Mavs continue to strive to contend for an NBA championship this season, Doncic taking pride in defending is undoubtedly an essential element to team success. Dallas holds a 24-19 record entering Wednesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns, ranking eight in the Western Conference.