Luka credits defense for win over Lakers
The Mavs gave up a huge lead in the second half vs the Lakers, but Doncic made the final points to win the game - though he gives credit to the defense.
Dallas might have a turnover problem. They were able to overcome a huge deficit against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday to win the game, but why were they behind by 19 in the first place? And how were the Lakers able to get the lead back after being down by 15 on Tuesday? The answer is turnovers.
Dallas defense to thank after offense gives up turnover after turnover
In total, the Mavericks had 13 turnovers in the game against LA on Tuesday, seven of which came in the third quarter, when the Lakers were able to take back the lead from Dallas. Allowing the 15th ranked defense to make a comeback like that just highlights the problems Dallas have on offense.
So when Luka Doncic gave credit to the Dallas defense for that win, he wasn’t wrong. Doncic outplayed LeBron James in the fourth quarter, but it was the defense that limited the Lakers to just 17 points in the final frame.
“My mentality is, close the game, get the best shot possible. Some of those shots weren’t the best, but we executed down the stretch,” said Doncic. “Our defense was amazing, so that’s what won the game.”