Luka DonÄiÄ had a massive performance in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal against the Phoenix Suns. Unfortunately for Jason Kiddâs side it wasnât enough as they had a 4th quarter meltdown giving up 40 points and dropping the game 129-109.
The loss puts the Mavs in a two-game hole and gives Kidd a lot to think about as to who on his team can help DonÄiÄ in these big moments. Only Reggie Bullock had more than 15 points from the rest of the team with 16.
While the Suns got major performances from Chris Paul and Devin Booker, Phoenix exploded for 20 points in the fourth quarter. Kidd is now asking his team to step up and follow DonÄiÄâs example for Game 3 to get the Mavs back into the series.
Jason Kidd criticizes Mavericks players after brutal Game 2 loss
Luka DonÄiÄ (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Speaking to ESPN after the game the former NBA champion and 10-time All-Star laid it all out on his teamâs poor performance, âWeâve got to get other guys shooting the ball better. We canât win with just (DonÄiÄ) out there scoring 30 a night â not at this time of the year. And weâre playing the best team in the league, so weâve got to get other guys goingâ, Kidd Said.
While calling out his players will certainly light a fire for the Mavs, Kidd also needs to do his part in trying to get players like Jalen Brunson back into the game, last night Brunson had only 9 points in a series where everyoneâs contribution will be key in getting to the next round.
The Mavericks have been blown away in defense in the first two games of the series giving up 121 and 129 points respectively, no player on the team had more than 5 rebounds in Game 2.
The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns continue the series tomorrow night for Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals, for the Mavericks in order to avoid a sweep they will need to play the best defensive game of their lives to stay in the fight, Luka DonÄiÄ is good, but he canât do it all.
