The Dallas Mavericks won 122-84, with a 38-point lead. It’s the highest in 50 years! And the former Mavs veteran even called it an “a** whooping” display. Praising the team, especially Luka Doncic for listening to the critics and improving his game. But Doncic had a different reaction to the criticism he faced after game 3.

The Road Trippin’ crew discussed the Game 4 domination of the Maverick, alongside ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins and former Mavs great Devin Harris. Allie Clifton asked Harris who has been covering the team on the local telecasts to provide some hope and optimism for the Dallas fans. “There’s hope I mean, the door is a little bit open.”

The 41-year-old explained that the first step was not to get swept after being 3-0 down. Now the question remains for Jason Kidd’s team if they would be able to play with the same aggression away from home. He also called it difficult to repeat such a performance since the Boston Celtics will be no pushovers at home. Harris was upbeat about Mavs chances and even appreciated Luka Doncic for his defensive abilities. “Luca I think heard some of the noise that people come at him defensively. I thought he was just a little bit more effective than he was in those first three games,” Harris stated, via the Road Trippin’.

Luka Doncic scored a double-double in the first and a triple-double in the second game. However, he was 4 and 8 for turnovers in games 1 and 2, respectively. This was only the 5th instance this season, where the Slovenian conceded 8 or more turnovers. Also in the third game, the Mavs #77 was fouled out after conceding his 6th foul of the game. In game 4 he was using his elbows, his shoulder, and his hands, shoving people with whatever he could just to hold on to this ray of hope.

Luka Doncic got one over on the Critics

In ESPN’s ‘First Take’ episode, Kendrick Perkins went off on Luka Doncic for his poor display in defense. “Doncic led the league in scoring this year, I get what he’s been doing offensively this postseason. But what has been poking out, badly, is the other side…not defending, not putting forth the effort.” Many even questioned his often complaining nature but the 25-year-old was unbothered.

After game 3, in the press conference, Luka Doncic was optimistic about game 4. 156 times in league history, a team has tried to win a series after going down 0-3 and failed. And reacting to this daunting number after tonight’s loss, Luka didn’t seem too bothered by it, “It’s not over until it’s over, so we just gotta believe.”

And after game 4 Doncic said, “I don’t pay much attention. There’s always going to be criticism no matter what. You know, I just stay focused and help my team win.” The Mavericks scored 60 points in the paint, outscoring the Celtics by 34. Nonetheless, all Boston has to do is win one more game. They would prefer if it’s tonight at the TD Garden with the rave of their fans.

Also, check out our interview with the amazing Leonard Armato, a former agent of Shaq as he speaks about the league and its happenings in the video below.