Luka Doncic was highly criticized after game 3the game in which his fouls (6) and a “sieve” defense had condemned the Mavs and launched Boston to 3-0. Brian Windhorstan ESPN reporter, had been the most severe in judging the performance, and above all the attitude of the Slovenian, leading coach Kidd to publicly defend his leader in the press conference before game 4. Then, on the field, Doncic responded like a champion. Not only the “usual” 29 points (25 of them in the first halfwhen the game was decided), but also a good defensive position, moving his feet against Tatum, placing his body on the lines of penetration, engaging in help and in close-out on shooters. Statistics say that Doncic forced 4 turnovers and – as primary defender – held his opponents to 2/11 shooting. But even more than the numbers, it was what in America they call theeye test to amaze: although sought after by Boston’s attackers, more often than not Dallas’s n°77 this time he was not the weak link in the defensive chain. And when his attitude is this, all the Mavs benefit: as evident from the final result of game 4.
