While they went on a late run to get back into the game, the Dallas Mavericks fell in Game 3 of the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday and now trail 3-0 in the series. Among the problems for Dallas at the end of the game was that Luka Dončić fouled out with just over four minutes remaining.
In his postgame press conference, Dončić made it clear that he was not happy with the officiating.
ESPN’s Tim McMahon asked Dončić, “What did you think of the whistles that went against you in the fourth quarter?”
“I mean, I don’t know,” Dončić said, shrugging. You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals. I’m basically, I’m like this (hands out). Come on, man. Better than that.”
“We couldn’t play physical. I don’t know. I don’t want to say nothing. You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals… Come on, man. Better than that.” – Luka Dončić on the officiating in Game 3 🏀🎙️#NBAFinals https://t.co/5izgnaYZrd pic.twitter.com/mcpkkMiKwK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 13, 2024
Dončić’s issues with the officials were apparent during the game, well before he fouled out.
Following a missed three-pointer in the first quarter, Dončić fell to the ground. As he was getting up, he took time to argue that a foul should have been called. As Doris Burke noted on commentary, Dončić being slow getting back on defense helped the Celtics, who got the rebound following Dončić’s miss, get an open three-pointer in transition while the Mavericks played shorthanded.
[Photo Credit: NBA TV]
