Former Mavs Coach Rick Carlisle 'Empathizes' With Luka Doncic On Technical Foul Trouble
One of the NBA's top talents was almost suspended for Monday night’s action.
Although Dallas Mavericks star point guard Luka Doncic is never under investigation for outside issues, or even malicious on-court plays, he struggles to hold his tongue when arguing with officials, leading to many technical fouls.
Doncic was assessed his 16th technical during the Mavs' second loss to the Hornets over the weekend when he supposedly used "a profanity directed at the officials in protest to a no-call that was correctly judged in postgame video review," per the NBA's pool report.
The Mavs guard did not have to serve his one-game suspension, however, as the tech was rescinded, which made him available to play against the Indiana Pacers Monday where he dazzled the road crowd with his fancy passing.
Regardless of the validity of the no-call, Doncic has been the target of numerous no-calls that have left both him and Mavericks fans frustrated throughout the season — another recent instance occurred after he made a money gesture at the referees during Dallas' crushing loss to Golden State last week.
Though he did not receive a tech for the gesture, he was fined shortly after for what the NBA called "an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture.”
Doncic has been on the receiving end of online criticism due to his inability to stop arguing with officials. But even with the internet against him, the European star does have a familiar face in his corner.
"He gets hit on virtually every play," former Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said on Monday. "I’ve seen it close up. ... I’m leading the league in technical fouls for coaches, so I empathize with disagreements with officials."
Carlisle and Doncic spent three seasons together before the veteran coach packed up and moved to Indiana to coach the Pacers. Despite Doncic being available to play against the Pacers, Carlisle still showed his support on the matter beforehand.
The rescinded foul did not bode well for Indiana, as the Pacers fell to the Mavs by 23 points. Even though his 16th technical was officially rescinded, Doncic’s current number of technical fouls may spell trouble down the road.
According to the NBA's technical foul policy, one more would see the guard suspended — which could come in Dallas’ final six games as it chases a play-in tournament spot.
But Doncic is aware of his situation —having been assessed the third-most technical fouls this season — and is focused on ensuring his availability for his team down the stretch.
"I let my frustration show a little more than I was supposed to on the court," Doncic said. "But now, I'm just focused on getting wins."
Next up, Doncic and the Mavs will face the Philadelphia 76ers on the road, looking to make a one-game win streak a two-game win streak.
Tipoff from Wells Fargo Center will be at 6:30 p.m.
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