In Sunday's Game 4, Kyrie Irving's remarkable scoring performance fueled the Mavericks' comeback from a 31-point deficit, but Luka Doncic took responsibility for their narrow 116-111 loss to the Clippers. Despite Irving's 40-point effort, including a sensational layup to give the Mavs the lead late in the game, Doncic expressed disappointment in his own performance, particularly due to soreness in his right knee, which hampered his shooting and defensive capabilities.
While Irving has been a consistent scoring force for the Mavericks, Doncic struggled to find his rhythm against the Clippers, shooting below his usual standards. Doncic's ongoing knee issues have affected his lateral movement and shot creation, contributing to his subpar shooting percentages in the series.
Doncic acknowledged his knee discomfort but refused to use it as an excuse for his performance. Despite his improved individual defense this season, Doncic struggled defensively in Game 4, allowing the Clippers' James Harden to exploit him on multiple occasions. Mavs coach Jason Kidd praised Doncic's effort but acknowledged the challenges he faced due to foul trouble and defensive lapses.
Looking ahead to Game 5, both Irving and Doncic expressed determination to bounce back and secure a crucial win in Los Angeles. Despite the frustrations of Game 4, they remain focused on the opportunity to make adjustments and perform better in the upcoming matchup.
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