Luka Doncic feels like he's 'letting Kyrie Irving down' following Game 4 loss to Clippers, after Mavs' second option scored 40 points despite 116-111 defeat to Los Angeles

Luka Doncic feels as though he's 'letting [Kyrie Irving] down,' he said after the Mavs fell 116-111 to the Clippers in Game 4 of the first round.

Irving was spectacular in the loss, notching 40 points, seven rebounds and five assists while Doncic managed a 29-10-10 triple-double.

However, the MVP finalist - who is dealing with a knee injury - was apparently displeased with his performance following the game, which evened the series at 2-2.  

'I just got to help him more,' Doncic told reporters, speaking about his teammate Irving.

'I feel like I'm letting him down, so I got to be there. I got to help him more. He's given everything that he has, and he's been amazing for us the whole series.' 

Luka Doncic said after the Mavs' loss on Sunday that he needs to help Kyrie Irving more

Irving had 40 points for the Mavericks as they nearly completed a 31-point comeback

In 4 games this postseason, Irving is averaging 28.8 points, while Doncic is scoring a tad more at 29.0 per contest.

However, Doncic struggled mightily on defense in Game 4, as the Clippers were 8-15 from the floor with him as the primary defender, according to ESPN Stats and & Information research.

Doncic injured his right knee in Game 3 and has reportedly struggled with stiffness and soreness since. 

'It's hurting obviously, but it shouldn't be an excuse, man,' he said. 'Just came out and a little sloppy, so I got to be way better than that.'

Doncic struggled on defense in Game 4 as James Harden erupted for 33 points in the game

Harden drives past Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green, during the first half of Game 4

The Mavs trailed by 31 in the second quarter but clawed their way back and led with 2:15 remaining in the game.

From there, however, the Clippers regained control to earn a crucial win ahead of Game 5 back in Los Angeles.

Irving said of Doncic, 'He wants to play well and knowing he wants to make a bigger impact, even though he's almost averaging triple-double for the series, but we're always critical of him and I think he's always critical of himself.'

Paul George and James Harden each scored 33 points in the win, while Kawhi Leonard sat with knee inflammation.