‘Luka has been incredible up to this point’ - Jason Kidd speaks on Luka Doncic performance

Before Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd passionately defended Dallas superstar Luka Doncic. This came after two days of criticism of the MVP finalist's play and demeanor on the court after he fouled out with 4:12 remaining in the Mavericks' Game 3 loss to the Celtics. 

During a pregame press conference on Friday, Jason Kidd was asked about Doncic's struggles in this series, including a heavy offensive workload against the Celtics' defence, constant targeting by the Boston offense, and injuries such as a thoracic contusion that required a pain-killing injection before Game 2. Luka Doncic stated that he expects to require another before Game 4, where he and his Mavericks teammates hope to avoid elimination.

As per Yahoo Sports, “Luka has been incredible up to this point and has still been incredible,” Kidd said. “For whatever reason, there have been some personal attacks on him, but he will learn from them. And he will be better when he comes back from it.”

It is between the medical staff and the player - Jason Kidd

Kidd declined to comment on Doncic physical status, stating, "I don't get involved with the medical; I just repeat 'questionable,' or 'probable,' or whatever he's listed as." So it is between the medical staff and the player." However, he did make a statement about what he considers to be unjust criticism of his star player. 

“So, like, give my man a break. Let him play the game. Because we are all here to watch him play, and so let's just enjoy it. He's 25 years old. He will be better. Hopefully he's better tonight.”

Luka Doncic is hardly the first young star to struggle in a high-profile encounter against a stronger squad. And he's not the first to face criticism when his opponent throws a bright, megawatt spotlight on the lingering flaws in his game, exposing them for all to see.