Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks are dealing with growing pains

DALLAS — Moments after his Dallas Mavericks have been pushed to the brink of elimination within the Western Convention finals, famous person guard Luka Doncic considered the scenario by way of a long-term lens.

Doncic scored a game-high 40 factors in Sunday’s 109-100 Recreation 3 loss to the Golden State Warriors, together with 21 whereas the Mavs tried to mount a fourth-quarter comeback that by no means gained a lot steam. He additionally, nonetheless, had the sport’s worst plus-minus, as Dallas was outscored by 19 factors in Doncic’s 40 minutes on the ground, with the Warriors persevering with to have success focusing on him on the defensive finish whereas going up 3-0 within the collection.

Doncic, whose staff is now 2-6 when he scores 40 or extra factors in a playoff sport in his profession, accepted accountability for the loss that put the Mavs in jeopardy of being swept within the franchise’s first convention finals look because the 2011 championship run.

“I am nonetheless studying,” mentioned Doncic, who additionally had 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. “I feel the primary two quarters, I performed very unhealthy. That is on me. However I am nonetheless studying. I feel after this season is finished, no matter we’re, I feel we will look again and be taught plenty of issues.

“It is my first time within the convention finals within the NBA. I am 23, man. I am nonetheless studying so much.”

Doncic grew to become simply the sixth participant in NBA historical past to lose each video games whereas recording consecutive 40-point playoff video games, in accordance with ESPN Stats & Info knowledge, becoming a member of some unique firm: Devin Booker, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Jerry West.

It is a record that Doncic needs did not embody him. Nor did he need to be part of Golden State legend Rick Barry as, in accordance with Elias Sports activities Bureau, the one gamers to endure losses in 4 consecutive 40-plus-point playoff performances.

Thus far this collection, a Dallas staff that exceeded expectations has been outplayed by a Warriors staff with championship expertise.

“No one had us being right here in these convention finals,” mentioned Doncic, who’s averaging 34.0 factors, 7.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists within the collection. “I feel the Warriors are enjoying unimaginable. Everyone is aware of their function. Everyone simply stays collectively. They are a long-built staff. They have been collectively for a very long time, and I feel they’re enjoying good basketball, so that is what I feel goes to be actually tough. And these previous three video games, it has been very tough.”

First-year Mavs coach Jason Kidd additionally targeted on the expertise Dallas is gaining by competing towards a staff that options doubtless future Corridor of Famers Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Inexperienced.

“That is just the start of this journey,” Kidd mentioned. “I do know you guys had us successful the championship earlier than the season began. And that is a joke should you did not get it. However it is a lot larger than simply this one sport or this one collection. That is enormous for our franchise as a result of none of you guys had us right here. You guys have been all presupposed to be on trip.

“So it is cool to undergo this, and we’re going towards — you may name them a dynasty. … They’ve three nice gamers who will likely be all Corridor of Famers, and it is a nice lesson discovered from us. This is not the tip. That is just the start.”