The Dallas Mavericks are urging their star player, Luka Dončić, to stop complaining about every unfavorable call and treat referees with respect during games.
Brian Windhorst revealed on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt, following Game 3 of the NBA Finals, that the Mavericks’ coaches have repeatedly “begged” and “pleaded” with Dončić to stop confronting officials (1:12 mark).
Dončić was disqualified from Game 3 against the Boston Celtics with just 4:12 left in the fourth quarter due to a blocking foul on Jaylen Brown.
This was his fourth foul in the final quarter, occurring during a crucial 22-2 run by the Mavericks that reduced the deficit to a single point with 3:37 remaining.
Dončić criticized the officials for not allowing a more physical game, which he believes led to his disqualification. He stated, “We couldn’t play physical.
I don’t want to say nothing. You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals, basically I’m like this (motions with palms out). C’mon, man. Better than that.”
Dončić’s reputation for provoking officials is well-established, but his actions are now under increased scrutiny as they affect the Mavericks’ chances in the NBA Finals.
After Dončić’s disqualification, the Mavericks only scored nine points, shooting 3-of-8 for the rest of the game.
Dončić ended the game with 27 points, shooting 11-of-27, six rebounds, and six assists in 38 minutes.
The Mavericks are now facing a daunting 3-0 series deficit going into Game 4 on Friday.
Historically, teams that have lost the first three games in a best-of-seven series have never recovered, with a record of 0-156. Only four teams have ever forced a Game 7.
