Luka Doncic made a "money sign" at the referees. Now he'll be losing some money.
NBA fined Luka Doncic $35,000 for making an “inappropriate and unprofessional gesture” — rubbing his fingers together in a money sign — towards refs vs. Warriors.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 24, 2023
Down three points in the final seconds against the Warriors, Doncic missed a layup attempt, and Kevon Looney snagged the rebound. On his way back down the court, he rubbed his fingers together, implying the referees had been paid off in the game.
Luka Doncic makes the money sign towards the refs after missing a clutch layup.
— Guru (@DrGuru_) March 23, 2023
The Mavericks shot 10 more free throws than the Warriors tonight.
pic.twitter.com/Cw2AuzDgg8
There was a controversial non-call in the third quarter, where confusion led to the Warriors getting an undefended bucket after a timeout. The Mavericks announced they would protest the result after losing by two points.
However, Doncic shot more free throws than the Warriors' entire starting lineup, and for the game, the Mavericks shot ten more free throws than the Warriors. The NBA's Last Two Minute Report confirmed Doncic's last miss was a correct non-call. In fact, the only player who benefited from a referee's mistake in the last two minutes was Doncic himself, who got away with traveling.
Still, Doncic is lucky to have escaped with a fine, and not a retroactive technical foul, since he's sitting one short of the NBA's limit.
From the Coulda Been Worse File: Luka Doncic didn't receive a technical foul for this gesture.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 24, 2023
His next T would be his 16th of the season, resulting in a one-game suspension. That would cost him $255,838, per @BobbyMarks42 math. https://t.co/jQw4jKZMuy
It may be a hallmark of the Mavericks' organization to constantly complain about referees. Owner Mark Cuban has been fined over $3 million for criticizing officiating over the years.
But Doncic needs to tone it down. Not just for his team, but for his wallet. Losing a quarter-million for yelling at referees would be the biggest "money sign" for Doncic yet.
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