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Mavericks’ Boban Marjanovic restrained in altercation with Suns

After eliminating the Suns in stunning fashion, the Mavs are heading to the Conference Finals, but there was almost a serious problem at the end of that fateful Game 7

Paul Rudder
Update:
Mavericks’ Boban Marjanovic restrained in altercation with Suns
Christian PetersenAFP

With the job done against the heavily favored Suns tempers definitely flared during and after the game, but thankfully they didn’t quite cross the line.

Mavs go to Conference Finals after crippling the Suns

On Sunday night the Dallas Mavericks booked their spot in the Western Conference finals, with a stunning blow out win over the No. 1 seed Phoenix Suns, courtesy of a 123-90 Game 7 victory. Indeed, Dallas could have actually inflicted a heavier win on the night, but for a few moments of taking their feet off the gas pedal. In truth the result was never in doubt for effectively the entire second half, which is perhaps why some players started to lose their cool. In fact things most definitely came to a head at the final buzzer when one Mavericks player in particular had to be restrained.

Mavericks’ Boban Marjanovic had to be held back

The moment in question occurred when there were less than five seconds left in the game. The Mavericks had the ball with Marjanovic specifically in possession. As the center attempted to dribble out the clock at half court, the Suns’ Aaron Holiday sneakily stole the ball only to take it in the opposite direction where he proceeded to sink a three pointer as the final buzzer went. Incidentally, the moment was actually not seen by the TV audience as the broadcast had already been cut, but once it returned it was clear that Marjanovic was incensed about something. That’s when things took a wrong turn.

Holiday began to speak with Davis Bertans and Spencer Dinwiddie, both of whom were teammates during his time with the Washington Wizards. At that point Marjanovic was seen to charge into the conversation quite literally. The reaction by Mavericks players and coaches alike was immediate as they attempted to pacify the situation, with Jae Crowder even attempting to calm down the big Serbian down.

The Dallas Mavericks roll on to Conference Finals

Though it’s clear that Marjanovic’s reaction was unnecessary and of course leaves the question ‘what would have happened had he not been restrained?’, one should make mention of Holiday’s provocative actions when in reality the game was done and dusted. In the end things didn’t escalate to a point where fines and suspensions would be required. That of course is a big plus for the Mavericks as they now have a date with Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, in what will be their first appearance in a NBA Conference Finals since 2011.