“We lost because of our defense” -Doncic
The Dallas Mavericks were never even in the lead in Game 1 against the No. 1 Phoenix Suns. Star guard Luka Doncic says they have to play better defense.
Despite Luka Doncic putting up a huge 45 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists for the Mavericks, they were never ahead even once in their 121-114 loss to the Suns on Monday in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Doncic can’t be expected to carry the team alone, and that was proven with his massive 45-point game while the other four starters combined for even less (39 points). Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie, who kept the team alive against the Jazz when Doncic was out with an injury, both had off nights. Brunson scored just 13 points on 6-of-16 shooting and Dinwiddie a mere eight points on 3-of-8 shooting.
For Doncic’s part, he has more concerns about the Mavs’ defense than offense, especially at the start of the game.
“Our defense lost us the game today,” Doncic said. “Our start on the defensive end was terrible, and we’ve got to change that. I know we can play way better defense.”
Suns star Devin Booker shot 7-of-20, putting up 23 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, all the while gutting the Mevericks’ defense if they came in his direction.
“I like the fact that we were not settling for the threes tonight,” Suns head coach Monty Williams said. “A lot of our guys were attacking the paint. We were getting floaters, rim shots and then we were playing in paint to great. That was the focus. Once we had a good shot, we can take it but let’s try to get a great shot.”