Luka Doncic criticizes Mavericks' free throw performance following a pivotal Game 4 defeat, as the series with the Thunder is now tied at 2-2.
On May 14, 2024, the Dallas Mavericks faced a disheartening reversal, losing a nearly secured victory to the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 100:96. This dramatic turn of events shifted the series from a potential 3-1 lead for the Mavericks to a 2-2 tie. Mavericks star Luka Doncic, despite delivering a triple-double performance, criticized the team’s free throw execution as "unacceptable," highlighting a critical area needing improvement.
During the game, the Mavericks maintained a six-point lead well into the final six minutes of the fourth quarter. However, their inability to contain Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and their own struggles at the free throw line proved costly. In a crucial moment, Doncic had the opportunity to tie the game but only made one of two free throws, missing the chance to secure the win.
Overall, the Mavericks made just 12 out of 23 free throws, starkly contrasted by the Thunder’s 23 out of 24. This discrepancy at the line was pivotal, contributing to the Mavericks' downfall. "We have to work hard on free throws. Our shooting percentage is only 52%, which is unacceptable," Doncic emphasized, calling for better performance under pressure.
Battling injuries, Doncic still managed to score 18 points, grab 12 rebounds, and dish out 10 assists. However, he and Kyrie Irving, who also underperformed by scoring only 9 points, combined for their lowest total since Irving’s arrival in Dallas, with a joint effort of 27 points on 10-of-31 shooting.
This performance was significantly below their regular-season average, where Doncic and Irving typically combined for nearly 60 points. In the playoff series against the Thunder, they have only managed 37 points together, with Irving falling short as the team's second-highest scorer. Doncic acknowledged the defensive pressure they faced, stating, "I felt that Kyrie and I were being targeted and we need to find more teammates who are open.
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2024/05/14, picture citation source Associated Press