Luka Doncic Receives 16th Technical; Faces Suspension in Season Finale
Things were going as good as they could've been for the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter of their matchup with the lowly Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Dallas led 36-13 after the first frame, and Luka Doncic combined with Dwight Powell to put up 22 points by themselves. But perhaps things were going a little too good.
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After being hacked on a half-court heave at the end of the first, Doncic was called for his 16th technical foul of the season. Doncic was clearly displeased with not getting the call, but it didn't appear that he said anything to lead official Tony Brothers to warrant such action.
Because it was Doncic's 16th technical foul, he will serve an automatic one-game suspension in the season finale against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night unless the NBA rescinds the call in the next 48 hours. The league has already rescinded one of Doncic's technical fouls earlier in the season, so perhaps it can happen one more time after the tape is reviewed.
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The Mavs have had their fair share of friction with Brothers lately, as he gave coach Jason Kidd his first ejection of the season last week when Dallas lost to the Washington Wizards on the road, 135-102.
If Doncic's 16th technical foul doesn't get rescinded, the good news for the Mavs is that he'll get some much-needed rest before the postseason begins next week. Doncic is averaging 28.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.8 assists in 35.6 minutes per game. He is the only player in the league to average at least 28 points, eight rebounds and eight assists this season.
