Jason Kidd offers telling comment about Luka Doncic’s defense

Nov 19, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers coach Jason Kidd warms up players before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd could not avoid stating the obvious when discussing how the Boston Celtics have exploited his team’s defensive frailties through the first three games of the NBA Finals.

Kidd on Thursday credited the Celtics for how they go “hunting” for defensive matchups they like. While he did not name Luka Doncic by name, the implication was very clear.

“That’s what the Celtics are very good at doing, is making sure when they go hunting, they get the guy that they want,” Kidd said, via Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.

It is no secret that Doncic is playing hurt, but his defense is questionable at the best of times. The Celtics have exploited that combination of injury and ineffectiveness to torch him throughout the series, and it is a big part of why they have a 3-0 lead.

This is Doncic’s first trip to the NBA Finals, and it is certainly proving to be a learning experience. He has received the harshest criticism of his career for his defense and demeanor during the series. Kidd may not be explicitly calling Doncic a liability, but he does not need to; the message is pretty clear.