Why did the NBA fine the Dallas Mavericks?

The NBA has fined the Dallas Mavericks for the third time in the 2022 Playoffs, and it’s going to cost them even more.

The league imposed a $100,000 fine on the Mavericks for not complying with protocols on “bench decorum” in Game 2 of their Western Conference Finals series against the Golden State Warriors.

Dallas Mavericks: Bad bench behavior

According to an NBA statement, the Mavs were fined “for continuing to violate league rules regarding team bench decorum.”

The statement went on to say that players and coaching staff members were seen repeatedly standing for extended periods of time at the team’s bench area, staying away from their own area, and even infringing on the court while the game was ongoing.

Dallas distracts game play

In Dallas’ 126-117 loss to the Warriors in Game 2, the Mavericks’ Theo Pinson stood and waved his arms at Stephen Curry, who was looking for a teammate to pass the ball inbound. Pinson was wearing a white shirt which could have confused Curry, as Golden State was wearing their white home jerseys.

The amount of the penalty has doubled each time since the Mavericks were first punished for the same infraction in the second round of the playoffs. The NBA fined them $25,000 the first time, during their game 2 win over the Phoenix Suns, and $50,000 in Game 7, when they won the deciding matchup.

Both of their first two violations took place in Arizona, and all three incidents occurred during Dallas’ road games.