Luka kept it real.

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić is arguably the best scorer in the entire NBA. But htat hasn’t stopped him from being hit with criticism because of his lackluster defensive play.

When the Mavericks made the move to trade Dorian Finney-Smith, who was the best defender that Dallas had at the time, it put a load of pressure on Dončić to step up his defensive game. But the problem is, that hasn’t happened, and now the Mavs are in a situation where they’ve lost seven out of their last eight games, with a losing record of 37-42.

When asked about his defense, Dončić implied that he was too tired to keep up the pace at both ends of the floor.

“I’ve been playing basketball for three straight years — four weeks in between it was free,” said Dončić. “Sometimes it’s really hard for me to play really hard on both ends. But obviously, the defensive end I gotta be way better.”

Luka Doncic speaks out on his poor defense

“I’ve been playing basketball for 3 straight years. 4 weeks in between it was free. Sometimes it’s really hard for me to play really hard on both ends. But obviously, the defensive end I gotta be way better.”

(h/t @ClutchPointsApp ) pic.twitter.com/TzcN5nPLgQ

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 4, 2023

I mean, I get where Luka’s coming from, but I also get the criticism that he’s getting hit with.

The old saying is true: “defense wins championships.” Luka can put up 50-60 points a night, but does it really mean much if the other team is putting up 150 points on you? (RELATED: REPORT: San Francisco 49ers Could Swoop In And Steal Aaron Rodgers Away From New York Jets)

You’re not winning like that. I love you, Luka, but you gotta step up the defense if you want a ring.