Refs Called out by Fans as Chris Paul Fouls out in Suns' Loss to Luka Doncic, Mavs
May 8, 2022
DALLAS, TX - MAY 8: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks smiles during the game against the Phoenix Suns during Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals on May 8, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
Chris Paul has made a career out of taking over games in crunch time, but that's pretty hard to do from the bench.
That's exactly where Paul was for most of the fourth quarter and extended stretches of Sunday's Game 4 in the Phoenix Suns' Western Conference Semifinal series against the Dallas Mavericks. The future Hall of Famer picked up four fouls in the first half alone and fouled out with approximately nine minutes remaining, which cleared the way for Dallas to clinch the 111-101 victory.
It was not lost on social media that Luka Doncic and other members of the Mavericks were using some of the same embellishment tactics that Paul has throughout his career, and the officials were also not immune to criticism:
If I’m Chris Paul, I’m placing a check on the table before I start my postgame press conference and I’m going IN on this officiating. That last call was flat-out terrible.
I know the feeling. Wish I could’ve gotten a couple fouls back among others things. Foul trouble make you feel helpless. Can’t even compete the same. . This series has potential to go 7
As Luka just showed with these refs: Fall you get a call. No way in hell that contact from CP3 was enough to knock down a guy that much bigger than him. But NBA refs continue to incentivize this practice➡️ 🗑️
The foul that was just called on McGee is something else I’d like to see removed from the game. McGee was in great position, Brunson just fell. Why is falling always rewarded?
The series is now tied at two games apiece, although it wasn't only because of the whistles.
Doncic stuffed the stat sheet with 26 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and four steals, while Dorian Finney-Smith provided critical secondary support with 24 points and eight boards behind 8-of-12 shooting from deep.
That Doncic received help from Finney-Smith, Jalen Brunson and even Davis Bertans was key because the Mavericks lost the first two games on the road when he averaged 40 points a night and then turned things around at home with the supporting cast playing at a higher level.
Whether that supporting cast continues to play well as the series shifts back to Phoenix for Tuesday's Game 5 could determine who advances to the Western Conference Finals.
Luka Doncic Praised for Refusing to Get Punked in Mavs' Game 3 Win over Suns
May 7, 2022
DALLAS, TX - MAY 6: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals on May 6, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks star point guard Luka Doncic was the target of the Phoenix Suns' offensive attack in the first two games of the Western Conference Semifinals.
After constantly getting scored on and enduring some ridicule from opposing players, Doncic responded in Friday's Game 3 with a hard-nosed performance to lead the Mavericks to a 103-94 win at American Airlines Center to cut the series deficit to 2-1. Doncic finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
Throughout the game, fans and analysts online were impressed with Doncic's toughness and how he bounced back from the first two games.
Luka fought back tonight. Dude ain’t no punk and you gotta respect that
Yeah but I’m not talking about the result of the game. I’m talking about Luka standing up to what the suns did to him on Wednesday night https://t.co/xX6WM0Q8HW
Dallas' supporting cast finally showed up to give Doncic some much needed help. Four other players scored in double figures, led by Jalen Brunson's game-high 28 points.
Doncic has never been questioned for his offensive prowess. He's definitely proved himself on that end with 106 combined points over the first three games of the series.
But it's taken some time for Doncic's defense to catch up to his offensive brilliance. While he still has a ways to go to be a consistently reliable defender, he's made massive strides on that end of the floor this year after head coach Jason Kidd challenged him to improve. His defensive effort paid off on Friday.
The Mavericks still face an uphill battle against the top-seeded Suns, the favorites to win the NBA title. But if Doncic can continue to play with the attitude he showed on Friday, Dallas will have a better chance at spoiling Phoenix's coronation.
Jason Kidd on Mavs' $25K Bench Fine: 'The League Is Worried About the Wrong Thing'
May 7, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 02: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Footprint Center on May 02, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
After the Dallas Mavericks were fined $25,000 by the NBA for "violating league rules regarding bench decorum," head coach Jason Kidd said he finds the situation to be wholly unnecessary.
"The league is worried about the wrong thing," Kidd told reporters. "You have millionaires cheering on other millionaires. Doesn’t happen in this society. And the enthusiasm of the game, for a teammate to cheer on another teammate, is special."
While Kidd might chalk up the bench's antics to teammates cheering each other on, the NBA feels the Mavericks crossed the line during Wednesday's 129-109 loss to the Phoenix Suns. The league stated that "on multiple occasions" several Dallas players and a member of the coaching staff were "on or encroaching upon the playing court during game action."
There has been an uptick in trash talk from the Mavericks reserves throughout the postseason. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that some players "pride themselves on having the NBA's most boisterous bench."
Specifically, Theo Pinson and Tim Hardaway Jr. have taken it upon themselves to get involved in the games from the sidelines. Hardaway is out for the year with a foot fracture and Pinson rarely sees any playing time.
"We just try to do everything we can to help our teammates," Pinson said. "We just want to give ourselves an advantage. We're causing a problem for the other team, just mentally. I don't see other teams doing what we do."
Pinson admitted that there have been times when he and his teammates have gone a little too far, but he feels like they've calmed down slightly in the playoffs.
"We're probably on the floor a little bit too much here and there, but we've tamed it back from the regular season," Pinson says. "We police ourselves over there a lot more than we did in the regular season."
The Mavericks are looking to climb back from a 2-0 series deficit as they host the Suns in Game 3 on Friday.
Jason Kidd Says Mavs Need More Than Luka Doncic to Beat Suns: 'No One Else Showed'
May 5, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 04: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on May 04, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 129-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks are searching for answers in the Western Conference semifinals against the Phoenix Suns after dropping their second straight game on Wednesday night with a 129-109 loss.
Speaking to reporters after Game 2, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said the players around Luka Doncic needed to step up their performance.
"He had a great game, but no one else showed," Kidd said. "We've got to get other guys shooting the ball better. We can't win with just him out there scoring 30 a night—not at this time of the year. And we're playing the best team in the league, so we've got to get other guys going."
Doncic has been doing his best to give the Mavericks a chance in their first two games against the Suns. He dropped 35 points (13-of-22 shooting), seven assists and five rebounds in 36 minutes in Game 2.
In Games 1 and 2 combined, Doncic has 80 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists. He's shooting 28-of-52 from the field, including 9-of-21 from three-point range.
Jalen Brunson has been the biggest disappointment for Dallas' non-Doncic players. The 25-year-old scored just nine points in Game 2 and is shooting 32.1 percent overall in the series thus far.
After a strong start to the postseason, Brunson's performance has fallen off a cliff in five games since Doncic returned to the lineup.
Jalen Brunson shooting without Luka this playoffs:
Brunson is hardly the only Mavs player struggling right now. Dorian Finney-Smith only attempted two shots in Wednesday's game. He tied a season-low with just two points.
This isn't to say that Doncic should be absolved of blame for how the Mavericks are playing. He has 12 turnovers through the first two games. The Suns averaged 1.72 points per possession on 50 attempts with Doncic as the primary defender in Game 2.
But Doncic's offensive output is so completely overwhelming everything the rest of his teammates are doing that someone needs to start making shots consistently to ease some of the burden on him.
Perhaps returning to American Airlines Center will make the Mavs feel more comfortable. They will host the Suns in Game 3 looking for their first win in the series on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
NBA Rumors: Mavs Confident Jalen Brunson Will Sign New Contract in 2022 Free Agency
May 3, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 28: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a play during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 28, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks reportedly expect guard Jalen Brunson to re-sign with them in free agency this offseason.
According to Tim Cato of The Athletic, sources within the Mavs have expressed "confidence" that they will be able to keep Brunson on the heels of his career year.
Cato noted that since the Mavs aren't likely to have any salary-cap space during the next two offseasons, they wouldn't have any way to adequately replace Brunson, making re-signing him a massive priority.
The 25-year-old Brunson has spent his entire four-year NBA career in Dallas, and the 2018 second-round pick has progressively gotten better with each season.
After spending most of his first three seasons as a bench player, Brunson started 61 of the 79 regular-season games he appeared in this year.
He also put up career-best numbers, averaging 16.3 points, 4.8 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 three-pointers made per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Brunson has been even better during the playoffs, averaging 25.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.7 three-pointers made in seven postseason contests.
Dallas was without superstar guard Luka Doncic for the first three games of its first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz, and Brunson had a field day, particularly in Game 2 when he had a playoff career high of 41 points.
Brunson did not score fewer than 23 points in any of the Mavericks' six first-round playoff games against the Jazz, which is a big reason Dallas advanced.
While Doncic makes the Mavs go and will do so for many years to come, Brunson is the closest thing Dallas has to a second star, especially after the in-season trade of Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards.
Re-signing Brunson almost seems like a necessity if the Mavericks want to remain in contention, but they won't be without competition.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein (h/t HoopsHype), the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers will both have significant salary cap-space during the offseason and are known to have interest in Brunson.
Stein noted that the New York Knicks are also interested, although they would have to do some maneuvering in order to make room for him financially.
Stein also noted that Brunson could command in the neighborhood of $80 million over four years, which is something few teams can afford to offer.
The Mavericks can do so if they choose, however, since they own Brunson's Bird rights.
There is nothing Dallas can do if Brunson simply decides he wants to play elsewhere, but given how much the Mavs need him and how impressively Brunson has grown as a player in Dallas, there should be some common ground to get a deal done.
Luka Doncic Listed as Questionable for Mavericks vs. Jazz Game 3 with Calf Injury
Apr 20, 2022
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball while working out prior to Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 18, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks have listed point guard Luka Doncic as questionable for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series with a strained left calf.
Doncic, who suffered the injury in the Mavs' April 10 regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs, has missed the first two games of the Dallas-Utah series.
Per ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Mavs listed Doncic as doubtful for those matchups.
Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday at 9 p.m. ET from Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Mavs and Jazz split the first two games in Dallas. A low-scoring Game 1 went in Utah's favor as the Jazz outlasted the Mavs 99-93 behind 30 second-half points from Donovan Mitchell.
It was a far different story in Game 2 as Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson went off for a career-high 41 points in a 110-104 win.
Utah was favored in both games with the Mavs missing Doncic, who averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists this past season. He's a three-time All-Star and could be in line for his third All-NBA first-team nod this year.
Simply put, the Jazz didn't take advantage of their opportunity, and now Doncic could be in line for a return. A good sign emerged Wednesday as Doncic was seen getting some shots up on the move, per MacMahon and Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News:
Luka Doncic getting some shots up on the move as media is let in at the end of Mavs’ practice: pic.twitter.com/MCiVCJecUp
Doncic spoke with reporters about the injury Wednesday and what might be ahead for him:
Luka Doncic: "I don’t know if I’m going to be 100 percent. I think that’s tough right now. But if I’m ready and there’s no risk of [aggravating the] injury, I’ll be out there."
If he can't go for Game 3, then his next chance to get back will be Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET for Game 4.
Woj: Mavs' Luka Doncic Out vs. Jazz Game 1 with Calf Injury; Game 2 Status in Doubt
Apr 15, 2022
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) brings the ball upcourt during an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, March 19, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic isn't expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Doncic's calf strain will keep him out for Saturday's opener against the Utah Jazz, and "significant concern remains" about his availability for Game 2 on Monday.
The Mavericks announced April 12 their best player had been diagnosed with a left calf strain ahead of the first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz. While the team said there was no timetable for when he would return, head coach Jason Kidd initially remained evasive when discussing his Game 1 status.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported two days later the three-time All-Star was expected to be out, which wasn't surprising news given the circumstances.
Doncic is coming off another monster regular season. He averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists and shot a career-high 35.3 percent from beyond the arc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we6QB8FanSA
As the Mavs look to improve on their first-round exit in last year's postseason, nobody will be more important than the Slovenian. He led the NBA in usage rate (37.4 percent) for the second season running, per Basketball Reference.
The 23-year-old also thrives on the big stage. He averaged 33.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 9.5 assists through his first 13 playoff games.
With a healthy Doncic, Dallas is still a bit of an outsider for the title. If he's playing hurt or out altogether, the team is in serious trouble.
The Mavericks will host Utah in Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
Report: Luka Doncic Expected to Miss Mavericks' Game 1 vs. Jazz with Calf Injury
Apr 14, 2022
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a basket in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on April 10, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is expected to miss Game 1 of the Mavs' first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz on Saturday afternoon with a strained calf, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
The 23-year-old has been a leader for the Mavericks all season. He averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists while shooting 45.7 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent from deep during the regular season. His performance earned him an All-Star selection for the third straight season.
The Mavericks' offense runs through Doncic, and the team invariably suffers when he is missing. Dallas went 8-9 in his absence during the regular season and had to rely on Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Brunson had a career year, but he's not nearly as productive as Doncic, averaging 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists during the regular season.
In addition to Brunson and Finney-Smith, the Mavericks also turn to Spencer Dinwiddie, who was acquired from the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline.
If Dallas wants to make a deep postseason run in a difficult Western Conference that includes the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies, it will need Doncic to remain healthy moving forward.
Woj: Luka Doncic's Calf Injury Prompting 'A Lot of Concern' Ahead of Mavs vs. Jazz
Apr 12, 2022
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks Sunday, April 3, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
The calf injury to star Luka Doncic is creating "a lot of concern" about his availability within the Dallas Mavericks organization, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski reported the left calf strain is "a little bit more than a mild strain." Doncic is facing a race against the clock with the Mavs scheduled to open their first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz on Saturday 1 p.m. ET.
The Mavericks didn't put a timetable on Doncic's return when they announced the severity of the injury Tuesday, and head coach Jason Kidd didn't provide any clarity when addressing the situation with reporters.
In a 3-minute span, Jason Kidd has said several times that Luka Doncic is "in great spirits" but he is being a coy as possible about Doncic's status for Saturday's Game 1, as well as whether he can practice.
Jason Kidd was predictably vague about Luka Doncic’s calf strain. Any hope for Game 1? “We’ll see,” Kidd said. “He’s in great spirits today. We’ll see how his body feels tomorrow. We’ll prepare with him and then we’ll also prepare without him.”
Doncic's importance to Dallas goes without saying.
The 23-year-old led the team in the three major categories, averaging 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists. He also led the NBA in usage rate (37.4 percent) for the second season running, per Basketball Reference. That is the eighth-highest usage rate over a single season in NBA history.
Spencer Dinwiddie has far exceeded expectations since joining the Mavs in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. He averaged 15.8 points and shot 40.4 percent from beyond the arc in 23 regular-season games.
Looking ahead to the postseason, Dinwiddie can help ease the scoring and playmaking burden on Doncic.
Still, the Mavericks are likely to go as far as their best player can take them. The three-time All-Star has risen to the occasion in the playoffs, averaging 33.5 points, 8.8 boards and 9.5 assists through 13 career contests.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TroeNaq1h0M
Dallas is bound to struggle in a big way if Doncic is less than 100 percent against Utah, and the team might be toast if his calf injury forces him to miss a single game.
Jazz's 'Psyche Is an Issue' Ahead of Mavs Playoff Series, NBA Scout Says
Apr 12, 2022
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 27: The Utah Jazz huddle up during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 27, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
In the view of one NBA scout, the Utah Jazz may not be mentally ready for the 2022 NBA playoffs ahead of their first-round matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
"Utah's psyche is an issue," the anonymous scout told The Athletic's Josh Robbins. "They've lost a lot of leads in the fourth quarter recently. So the Jazz might be the better team, but I'm not sure they have the mindset at the current time. There seem to be some issues there."
The Jazz lost five games in a row in late March. The nadir of that span came when Utah was outscored 39-21 in the fourth quarter and lost 121-115 to the Los Angeles Clippers.
That collapse was part of a larger trend. Since the All-Star break, here's where the Jazz rank in net rating by quarter, per NBA.com:
Across the entire season, Utah is ninth in net rating (2.7) in the fourth quarter, making the last few months even more inexplicable.
And the scout didn't even reference the questions that have emerged regarding the relationship between Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
Because he apparently hasn't heard of the Streisand Effect, head coach Quin Snyder saw fit to speak for nearly 20 minutes to play down any friction in the Mitchell-Gobert dynamic. That probably turned the situation into a bigger story.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Brian Windhorst said in February on the Hoop Collective podcast (via RealGM) that things are "back to being passively aggressively awkward" and Mitchell and Gobert "are under each other's skin."
Gobert addressed the rumors last week on NBA Today, saying, "People are looking for anything they can find to just try to divide us."
Rudy Gobert spoke to @malika_andrews about his relationship with Donovan Mitchell:
“There’s always going to be noise. … People are looking for anything they can find to just try and divide us. … We both have the same goal to win a championship here.” pic.twitter.com/865ZlTmPps
Still, this is not exactly the kind of fire a team wants to be putting out on the eve of the postseason.
Going on a deep run in the playoffs would be the easiest way for the Jazz to silence all the skeptics. Should Utah fail to get past the conference semifinals for the sixth straight year, the drama might only be beginning in Salt Lake City.
