Luka Doncic had a triple-double in the Mavericks‘ 116-111 loss to the Clippers on Sunday, but those who witnessed the game know he was unable to leave his mark on the game as he typically does. The Slovenian star was 1-of-9 from three and 10-of-24 overall, and he struggled to guard James Harden, who dominated the Mavericks with 15 fourth-quarter points to lead Los Angeles to victory. Despite Doncic’s troubles, the Mavericks led 105-104 with 2:15 remaining when Kyrie Irving hit a miracle shot against three Clippers defenders. Irving’s amazing 40-point outburst helped Dallas overcome a 31-point hole and almost take a 3-1 series lead.
Following the game, Doncic said that he needs to improve his game to ensure Irving’s heroics are not in vain. “I’ve just got to help him more,” Doncic told reporters. “I feel like I’m letting him down; I need to be there and help him more. He gave everything he had. He’s been fantastic for us throughout the series. When he performs well, it makes things easier for me. I have to take advantage of that. It makes my life easy having him on the court.”
Irving has averaged 28.8 points in four games, with shooting splits of.513/.485/.905. In comparison, Doncic’s shooting splits are.386/.265/.806 for 29.0 points per game. The Clippers defense has blitzed both guards, but the latter has primarily faced double teams. Terrance Mann, Doncic’s primary defender, has also made him struggle, holding him to 4-of-22 shooting. The Mavs certainly need much more from Doncic to win the series, which returns to Los Angeles for Game 5 on Wednesday.