NBA Fines Luka Dončić $35K For Inappropriate Gesture Towards Official During Mavericks-Warriors Game
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| Photo: Instagram/Luka Doncic |
NBA star Luka Dončić has been fined $35,000 by the league for making an "inappropriate and unprofessional" gesture towards an official during a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors.
The gesture involved Dončić rubbing his fingers together, seemingly to signal money. He made the gesture after missing a layup in the game's final seconds, with the Mavericks trailing 125-122.
Dončić believed he was fouled by Draymond Green during the play. The Warriors went on to win the game 127-125, in a match that was full of controversy.
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| Photo: Instagram/Luka Doncic |
During the third quarter, Golden State inbounded the ball under the Dallas basket while the Mavericks lineup was on the other side of the court, resulting in an uncontested dunk for Warriors center Kevon Looney.
Mavericks players and coach Jason Kidd contested the play on the court, with owner Mark Cuban later tweeting that officials initially signaled that possession belonged to the Mavericks on the play.
Officials changed the call to Warriors possession during a timeout and didn't inform the Mavericks, according to Cuban.
Crew chief Sean Wright said the call was conveyed accurately on the court. The Mavericks filed a formal protest with the NBA after the game, but the league has yet to announce a decision on the protest.
The result of the game was of significant importance in a tightly packed Western Conference playoff race. With the win, the Warriors moved to sixth place in the West, the last position guaranteed a playoff berth.
The Mavericks would have taken sixth place with the same record had they won, but instead, they fell to eighth place in the West, which would require them to advance from the play-in tournament to secure a playoff spot.
The fine for Dončić's gesture adds to the controversial nature of the game, with many fans and analysts criticizing the officiating.
While the NBA's decision on the Mavericks' protest is still pending, the league has made it clear that it does not tolerate inappropriate behavior towards officials from players.
Dončić's fine is a reminder to all players that their conduct on the court is under close scrutiny, and any unsportsmanlike behavior will be met with consequences.
Read Next: Anthony Davis Refutes Rumors of Beef With LeBron James, Says Relationship Is Strong
Source: Yahoo Sports
Mavericks players and coach Jason Kidd contested the play on the court, with owner Mark Cuban later tweeting that officials initially signaled that possession belonged to the Mavericks on the play.
Officials changed the call to Warriors possession during a timeout and didn't inform the Mavericks, according to Cuban.
Crew chief Sean Wright said the call was conveyed accurately on the court. The Mavericks filed a formal protest with the NBA after the game, but the league has yet to announce a decision on the protest.
The result of the game was of significant importance in a tightly packed Western Conference playoff race. With the win, the Warriors moved to sixth place in the West, the last position guaranteed a playoff berth.
The Mavericks would have taken sixth place with the same record had they won, but instead, they fell to eighth place in the West, which would require them to advance from the play-in tournament to secure a playoff spot.
The fine for Dončić's gesture adds to the controversial nature of the game, with many fans and analysts criticizing the officiating.
While the NBA's decision on the Mavericks' protest is still pending, the league has made it clear that it does not tolerate inappropriate behavior towards officials from players.
Dončić's fine is a reminder to all players that their conduct on the court is under close scrutiny, and any unsportsmanlike behavior will be met with consequences.
Read Next: Anthony Davis Refutes Rumors of Beef With LeBron James, Says Relationship Is Strong
Source: Yahoo Sports
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