Dallas Mavericks’ star guard Luka Doncic returned to action against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday after missing five games due to a thigh injury. Despite Doncic’s impressive performance of 30 points, seven rebounds, 17 assists, and one steal on 40.7% shooting, the Mavericks lost to the Warriors 127-125. The game was crucial for both teams as they are competing for playoff/play-in spots in the crowded Western Conference.
Doncic’s frustration was evident as he was left disappointed by a no-call on his layup attempt with just 3.2 seconds remaining that could have tied the game. The 22-year-old guard motioned the money symbol towards a referee after the play, insinuating that the referees were paid off. However, fans on Twitter mocked Doncic for complaining, pointing out that the Mavericks had more free throws than the Warriors, and Doncic himself attempted more free throws than any Warriors player.
Despite the loss, Doncic made Mavericks history, recording his 41st 30-point game of the season, surpassing Mark Aguirre’s record. However, Dallas is now struggling to cling onto a play-in spot with a record of 36-37, just half a game ahead of the 12th-placed New Orleans Pelicans (35-37), with nine games remaining.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ win against the Mavericks (38-36) helped them maintain their sixth position in the Western Conference standings. However, with just one game ahead of the seventh-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves (37-37), Golden State is still in danger of falling into the play-in with only eight games remaining.
The Dallas Mavericks plan to file to the NBA a formal protest of their 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors tonight, with focus on alleged referee mistake that led to two free Warriors points late in the third quarter, source tells @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 23, 2023The Warriors were led by the impressive performance of second-year forward Jonathan Kuminga, who finished with 22 points, three rebounds, one assist, and two steals on 81.8% shooting.
In conclusion, the Mavericks’ loss against the Warriors was a significant setback for them in their playoff race, and they will need to improve their performance in the remaining games. Meanwhile, the Warriors’ win helped them maintain their position, but they must continue to perform at their best to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Related: Is Luka Doncic playing tonight against the Golden State Warriors?
Fans react to Mavs filing an official protest to the NBA
The Golden State Warriors secured a victory over the Dallas Mavericks, thanks in part to a no-call on a layup attempt by Mavericks’ star player, Doncic. With just 3.2 seconds left on the clock and the Mavericks trailing by three, the missed call left Doncic visibly frustrated. In response, he motioned the money symbol towards one of the referees, suggesting that the refs were influenced by bribery.
However, Doncic’s complaints were met with criticism from fans on Twitter, who pointed out that he had already received several favorable calls during the game. In fact, the Mavericks were awarded 28 free throws, while the Warriors only had 18. Additionally, Doncic himself had attempted ten free throws, which was more than any Warriors player. Here are some of the reactions:
Luka Doncic and Mark Cuban are cry babies. All that money and still crying.
— WarriorsEgo (@WarriorsEgo) March 23, 2023Luka Doncic is dirty, a flop, a cry baby. The worst trifecta.
— Arden Independence Cravalho (@a_cravalho) March 23, 2023Btw Luka Doncic is a cry baby ffs
— Liam (@reelwill_i_am) March 23, 2023athletes i actually hate:
Cam Newton (fuck you)
Josh Norman (talks shit then gets burnt)
Aaron Donald (but i respect him)
Luka Dončić (cry baby bitch)
Patrick Beverly (seen guys at LA who are better)
Jose Alvarado (pelicans fans ruined him for me + annoying asf during the…
can the Warriors protest all the other mistakes he made? There were at least half a dozen non-calls or bad calls.
— Dan Tynan (@tynanwrites) March 23, 2023Hold up we can do this? I want to refute game 5 of the 2018 pacers Cavs series
— Young Simba (@the2kmessiah) March 23, 2023Protest against Jason Kidd coaching this team. You’ll have better luck with that.
— Ryan Coffman (@RyanMFFL) March 23, 2023In Case You Missed It:
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