NBA Fines Mavs' Luka Doncic $35K For 'Unprofessional Gesture': Full Details
DALLAS — The NBA office took note of Luka Doncic making a gesture toward the officiating crew during the Dallas Mavericks' 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
Doncic has gestured a "money sign" at referees on a handful of occasions before, making his dissatisfaction of the officiating clear while questioning their integrity. The NBA finally punished him for it this time, though, announcing on Friday that he has been fined $35,000.
"Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic 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 specific incident the NBA office took notice of occurred with 1.7 seconds remaining in regulation. However, Doncic has often made this gesture throughout the 2022-23 season without receiving a technical foul, as he didn't for the specific incident that commanded this fine.
Doncic will need to be careful with the gestures he makes toward referees and in his general communication with them. He has 15 technical fouls on the season — one away from receiving an automatic one-game suspension by reaching 16 on the season.
Given the Mavs hold a 36-37 record entering Friday's NBA action, they in a four-way tie with three teams in terms of wins and losses. Losing Doncic for even one game could prove especially problematic as they aim to qualify for a spot in the postseason, let alone in the play-in tournament.
Doncic returned from a quad injury during Wednesday's loss to the Warriors and played 41 minutes. He recorded 30 points, seven rebounds, and 17 assists, but shot 11-27 overall, 2-10 from 3-point range, and 6-10 from the free throw line.
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