Luka Dončić’s Lack of Help Disappoints NBA Fans as Kyrie, Mavs Lose Game 2 to Celtics

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić dropped a 32-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double alongside four steals, but it wasn’t enough as the Boston Celtics held off the Mavs 105-98 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday.

This was a tough night for Dončić’s supporting cast. All five Maverick starters scored in double digits, but they also combined to shoot just 1-of-11 from three-point range. Kyrie Irving also had an off-night, scoring his 16 points on 7-of-18 shooting.

The reserves encountered a rough evening, scoring a combined nine points on 3-of-12 shooting. The five subs also had just one assist between them.

Meanwhile, the Celtics were able to overcome a tough shooting day for their star, Jayson Tatum, who made just 6-of-22 field goals (1-of-7 from deep). He did finish with 18 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists but had great help from Jrue Holiday (26 points, 11 rebounds), Jaylen Brown (21 points, seven assists, three steals) and Derrick White (18 points).

The ultimate difference in this game was the Mavs’ disappointing performance outside Dončić’, and fans and analysts pointed that out in droves.

Dallas is now down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series but returns home for Game 3 on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.