Luka Dončić’s Lack of Help Disappoints NBA Fans as Kyrie, Mavs Lose Game 2 to Celtics

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJune 10, 2024

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić dropped a 32-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double alongside four steals, but it wasn’t enough as the Boston Celtics held off the Mavs 105-98 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday.

StatMuse @statmuseThe youngest player in NBA history with a 30-point triple-double in the Finals. pic.twitter.com/VjtFWPRjva

This was a tough night for Dončić’s supporting cast. All five Maverick starters scored in double digits, but they also combined to shoot just 1-of-11 from three-point range. Kyrie Irving also had an off-night, scoring his 16 points on 7-of-18 shooting.

The reserves encountered a rough evening, scoring a combined nine points on 3-of-12 shooting. The five subs also had just one assist between them.

Meanwhile, the Celtics were able to overcome a tough shooting day for their star, Jayson Tatum, who made just 6-of-22 field goals (1-of-7 from deep). He did finish with 18 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists but had great help from Jrue Holiday (26 points, 11 rebounds), Jaylen Brown (21 points, seven assists, three steals) and Derrick White (18 points).

The ultimate difference in this game was the Mavs’ disappointing performance outside Dončić’, and fans and analysts pointed that out in droves.

lynz @lynziekateWhat a joke of a performance. I’m sorry Luka

Bobby Belt @BobbyBeltTXI can’t believe these dudes are actually making Luka play this thing solo.

Anthony @omgitsbirdmanBest player in the finals goes Luka then probably 6 Celtics players in a row before u get to another Mav and I don’t even think that Mav is Kyrie

MFFL @Mavs_FFLAny Maverick not named Luka shooting tn: pic.twitter.com/hHx8bBHuQW

NBA Memes @NBAMemesLuka Doncic after 2 games pic.twitter.com/is4IHGax43

NBA Memes @NBAMemesLuka Doncic to his teammates pic.twitter.com/WgRU4sLm5Q

Jo @MavsStan41Non Luka Mavs were 2-17 from three tonight. Mavs also missed 8 free throws. The was a winnable game.

Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBAKyrie Irving with a 6/19 and 7/18 in Games 1 and 2. Getting totally outplayed by Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. If Kyrie isn’t gonna offer way more in Dallas then Luka Doncic is gonna have to take 30+ shots.

whristan @whristan1Literally just Luka out there, again

Legion Hoops @LegionHoopsKyrie Irving has not shown up for the Mavericks in these NBA Finals.

Luka Doncic is doing it all, man.

Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 @JoshEberleyBlaming Luka in this one is like misspelling your name on the test, you weren’t even close to serious. https://t.co/5bWR2v3jzt

lynz @lynziekateSo it’s Luka score the points or we just don’t score at all?😭 everyone needs to step up

LegendOfWinning @LegendOfWinningLuka needs help ASAP

Dallas is now down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series but returns home for Game 3 on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.