Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving (11), P.J. Washington (25), Maxi Kleber (42) and Luka Doncic (77) head to the bench throughout a timeout within the second half of Sport 5 of the NBA basketball finals towards the Boston Celtics, Monday, June 17, 2024, in Boston. (AP Picture/Michael Dwyer)
BOSTON — Brief jumpers rolled off the rim and 3-pointers went out and in. Even free throws have been a problem for Luka Doncic within the clinching sport of the NBA Finals.
Dallas wanted Doncic and Kyrie Irving to be at their greatest in Sport 5 towards the Celtics on Monday evening.
As a substitute, the Mavericks’ greatest gamers acquired off to a horrible begin, and by the point their pictures began falling the Celtics have been coasting to a 106-88 victory and their unprecedented 18th NBA title.
Doncic scored 28 factors and completed 12 of 25 from the ground, however missed his first six 3-point makes an attempt.
He had 12 rebounds but additionally turned the ball over seven occasions. He was 2 for five from the free throw line, an issue that has bothered him all through the collection.
Irving was 3 for 9 from 3-point vary and 5 of 16 general.
He had 9 assists however 15 factors–six of them within the fourth quarter–when the sport was already out of attain.