The Dallas Mavericks fell short in their quest to erase a 3-0 deficit in the NBA Finals, ultimately succumbing to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 last night in another blowout.
The performance has apparently caused Undisputed’s Skip Bayless to lose respect for one player on the Mavericks after the way the team bowed out of the playoffs.
Bayless pointed out how much better Luka Doncic was this season as both a three-point shooter and from the free-throw line, but was disappointed in how poorly he shot it in Boston in this series and said he lost respect for him after he had gained so much respect during the season he had.
.@RealSkipBayless lost respect for Luka Dončić in the NBA Finals despite leading in points, assists and rebounds ? pic.twitter.com/H73JckCIdX
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) June 18, 2024
Doncic shot 24.4 percent from three-point range in the NBA Finals and shot a paltry 58.6 percent from the line on only 5.8 attempts per game, well below his usual output.
The superstar was also clearly hampered by multiple injuries throughout the playoffs, so he deserves credit for fighting through everything to get his team to the finish line.
Skip pointed out how Luka led all players this postseason in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals, but was disappointed by his inability to finish and his poor shooting on the road in Boston after being a road warrior through the first three rounds of the playoffs.
It wasn’t the best way to go out, but Doncic is just 25 and will have plenty of time to redeem himself.
He made big strides this season and is now developing an early history of being a dangerous player in the postseason.
NEXT: J.B. Bickerstaff Praises Mavericks Star For Toughness In NBA Finals
