In a tense moment during the third quarter of the Mavericks-Thunder matchup, Luka Doncic found himself frustrated with Lu Dort’s flopping antics. With the Mavericks leading by three points at 68-65, Doncic drove past Dort and passed to PJ Washington for a corner shot.
However, Dort theatrically flopped to the ground as if he had been struck by Doncic, much to the latter’s chagrin. Despite Doncic’s visible irritation and his attempt to draw attention to Dort’s flopping by gesturing towards the referees, no foul was called.
This incident wasn’t an isolated one. Earlier in the game, Dort had similarly exaggerated contact, attempting to draw a foul on Doncic as he attempted to take a charge.
this flop by Lu Dort was horrible 😂 pic.twitter.com/7riKz6N0SC
— Juice (@juic3ify) May 11, 2024
Luckily for Doncic, there was no foul called, and the play went on. Doncic grew increasingly frustrated with Dort’s theatrics, feeling that such behavior was detrimental to the integrity of the game.
Dort’s flopping antics didn’t spare even Dereck Lively II, who found himself caught in the drama early in the game.
The Lu Dort DIVE FLOP
*I get the call, but dang that guy is unethical pic.twitter.com/iAiM7asJxI
— MavsHighlights (@MavsHighlights) May 11, 2024
In the first quarter, as Luka Doncic attempted to navigate around Dort’s screen, Dort made minimal contact with Lively before dramatically falling to the ground, simulating a foul. Despite Lively appearing stationary and Doncic visibly furious at the call, the referees ruled it an offensive foul against Dort.
Notably, this wasn’t the first time Dort had been called out for his flopping tendencies. Former Suns head coach Frank Vogel had previously criticized Dort for similar behavior earlier in the season.
Doncic’s reaction to Dort’s flopping underscores the ongoing debate surrounding embellishment in basketball. While flopping has become a strategic tactic for some players to gain an advantage, it also invites scrutiny and backlash from opponents and observers who view it as unsportsmanlike conduct.
Despite the distractions caused by Dort’s flopping, Doncic and the Mavericks managed to maintain their focus and secure a crucial victory in the Western Conference semifinals. With the series finely poised at 2-1 in favor of the Mavericks, both teams will need to maintain their composure as they prepare for the next game, knowing that every possession counts in the pursuit of playoff success.
Luka Doncic Says He’s Not Getting His Fair Share Of Calls
Luka Doncic expressed frustration with the officiating following the team’s Game 3 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic, who has been battling various injuries throughout the series, attributed some of his woes to what he perceives as inconsistent calls from the referees.
“I don’t think so. Simple answer.”
Luka Doncic on if the game was officiated the same way today compared to the regular season:
“I don’t think so. Simple answer.” pic.twitter.com/79QO0ej6Sl
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) May 11, 2024
When asked about his injuries after the game, Doncic lamented that there wasn’t a part of his body that wasn’t hurting. He specifically highlighted a play in the fourth quarter where he fell and hurt his knee while attempting to split two Thunder defenders. Despite his physical ailments, Doncic remains determined to battle through for the sake of the team’s success.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic says “everything” is hurting.
He says he hurt his knee again and says he “needs all the rest (he) can get.” pic.twitter.com/swGjV9SgX2
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) May 11, 2024
Throughout the series, Doncic has faced physical matchups, particularly with Thunder player Lu Dort. He believes that he’s not receiving fair treatment from the officials, emphasizing the importance of consistent calls on both ends of the court.
Doncic’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among players regarding officiating consistency, especially in the intensity of playoff basketball. Despite his frustrations, Doncic remains focused on leading his team to victory, demonstrating his resilience and determination amidst adversity.
As the series progresses, his ability to overcome both physical challenges and perceived officiating disparities will be crucial for the Mavericks’ postseason aspirations.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Issues Warning To Thunder After Game 3 Loss
After the Thunder’s narrow 105-101 loss to the Mavericks in Game 3, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as a vocal leader, issuing a stern challenge to his teammates for the upcoming Game 4 matchup. Despite the close result, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the need for more decisive and intelligent play, especially against a formidable opponent like the Mavericks.
"I think we can be sharper on both ends of the floor… I think we’re trying to do the right thing. I just think execution and focus. Those two areas."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Thunder Game 3 loss against the Mavs 🗣️
(via @BallySportsOK)pic.twitter.com/YCPsZat8sV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 11, 2024
In a post-game interview, Gilgeous-Alexander stressed the importance of playing aggressively while maintaining composure and intelligence on both ends of the floor. He highlighted the Mavericks’ size advantage and urged his teammates to be assertive but calculated in their approach.
The Thunder, down 1-2 in the series, are facing a critical juncture, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership is crucial in rallying the team for a potential comeback. His message resonates with the team’s youthful roster as they look to make adjustments and capitalize on opportunities in the postseason.
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable performance in Game 3, where he recorded 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, the Thunder fell short in their bid to seize momentum in the series. However, with his guidance and the collective effort of the team, they remain determined to turn the tide and even the series in Game 4.
The Thunder’s focus now shifts to containing PJ Washington, who has emerged as a significant threat to the Mavericks in the series. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged Washington’s impact and emphasized the need to neutralize his scoring prowess to regain control of the series.
SGA on PJ Washington: "He's hooping. We gotta turn that water off if we want to win the series for sure."
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 11, 2024
As the Thunder regroup and prepare for Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and determination will be instrumental in guiding the team toward a competitive performance and potentially a pivotal victory. With their season on the line, the Thunder look to rise to the challenge and demonstrate their resilience in the face of adversity.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
