Luka: Fouling out of Game 3 ‘wasn’t the smartest thing’

Luka Doncic took some accountability Thursday for fouling out of Game 3 when the Dallas Mavericks were mounting a stunning fourth-quarter comeback against the Boston Celtics.

“It was tough. Probably wasn’t the smartest thing,” he told ESPN’s Malika Andrews on Thursday. “It was a physical game. To get six fouls – I didn’t expect it.”

Doncic picked up a controversial sixth foul that sent him to the bench for good with over four minutes to play on a blocking call against Jaylen Brown on the perimeter. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd challenged the call, but officials upheld the decision after video replay.

It was the first time in 20 career appearances that the 25-year-old had been disqualified from a playoff game.

The Mavericks, playing at home after losing Games 1 and 2 in Boston, were down by just three at the time of Doncic’s sixth foul after going on a 20-2 run to nearly wipe out a 21-point hole.

Without the Slovenian, the Mavericks shot 3-of-8 over the final four minutes, including missing all three of their 3-point attempts. The Celtics survived on the road to go up 3-0 in the Finals – a series lead that has never been overturned in NBA history.

Doncic said he might’ve contributed to a different outcome had he stayed on the court to finish the contest.

“But I have trust in my teammates,” he added. “I think we played some good possessions. I had belief that we were going to win the game. Obviously, having me out there helps Kyrie (Irving) a little bit more. So obviously, I think it would be a different outcome, but you never know.”

Dallas will aim to avoid a sweep in Game 4 at home Friday.

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