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Tim Legler Rips Mavs’ Doncic, Irving After Meltdown Loss vs. Thunder

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Jake Rogers | Last updated 5/14/24

The Dallas Mavericks’ playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder took a dramatic turn Monday night, as the Thunder rallied for a 100-96 victory to even the series at 2-2. The Mavericks’ superstar players, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, have come under scrutiny for their inconsistent performance in the NBA playoffs.

Despite their impressive defensive efforts, the team’s offense has struggled to find its rhythm, leading to crucial losses. Former NBA player Tim Legler recently weighed in on the issue, criticizing Doncic and Irving for failing to step up when it matters most.

“They did great last night in every area, except for one crucial aspect – their two best offensive players didn’t step up when it mattered most,” Legler pointed out.

The numbers back Legler up: Irving scored a mere 9 points, while Doncic managed 18 on 20 shots. Legler was blunt in his assessment: “Last night, Kyrie and Luka combined for as many field goals as Lou Dort and Chet Holmgren. That’s unacceptable. They struggled to get a big bucket when it counted.”

Legler’s comments highlighted the glaring issue with the Mavericks’ offense. Despite their impressive defense, which held the Thunder to just 36% shooting from the field, their own inability to score when it mattered most cost them the game.

“Dallas defended at a championship level, outrebounded them, and did many things right,” Legler noted. “However, their two best offensive players came up short when it mattered most – in the last six minutes of the game. If they had made a couple of shots, they would have won the game and taken control.”

The series is now tied at 2-2, with Game 5 heading to Oklahoma City. The Mavericks’ hopes rest on Doncic and Irving finding their form and leading the team to victory.

As Legler pointed out, “Luke hasn’t been horrible throughout the postseason, even on nights when his shooting was off. He has controlled games and been the best player on the floor, but he’s only had one standout game in this entire run – Game 5 of the Clippers series, when he had to deliver in a 2-2 situation.”

With Doncic struggling with an injury, the pressure is on for the duo to deliver. The Mavericks need their star players to step up and lead the team to victory. As Legler said, “If they had made a couple of shots, they would have won the game and taken control.”

The question now is – can they do it? Can Luka and Kyrie find their form and lead the Mavericks to the next round of the NBA playoffs? Only time will tell.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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