NBA
Why did Mavericks’ Luka Doncic get $35,000 fine?
The Dallas player has been sanctioned by the NBA after his gesture to an official during the game against the Warriors.
Luka Doncic has been sanctioned by the National Basketball Association for his gesture in the Dallas Mavericks vs the Golden State Warriors matchup on Wednesday, a contest mired in controversy.
The penalty does not involve any suspension, but rather a financial hit of $35,000. Joe Dumars conveyed this information both to the parties involved and in a public statement. During the game, the Slovenian player expressed his dissatisfaction with a referee’s decision by making a gesture with his hand commonly associated with money, but without any specific details. The statement read:
‘Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncié has been fined $35,000 for directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
‘The incident occurred with :01.7 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Mavericks’ 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 22 at American Airlines Center.’
Doncic had tried a layup with the score at 122-125, targeting a foul, and was deprived of it for what he considered an illegal defense by Draymond Green. And so he made it known to the referee who was watching that part of the court.
The young Jaden Hardy came over to make peace when Luka wanted to continue harassing the referee.