DALLAS Mavericks fans were furious after a controversial call during their conference semi-final victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Mavericks sealed the series 4-2 on Sunday thanks to a last-gasp PJ Washington free throw.
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However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Dallas, who suffered a controversial technical foul during the second period.
Trailing 32-27, Mavericks star Luke Doncic was called for a technical foul after complaining to the referees.
The Slovenian was apparently furious at the failure to call what he appeared to believe was a foul by Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
This led to a successful free throw by Gilgeous-Alexander, extending the lead to 33-27.
Angry fans quickly took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain about the call.
“The NBA rigged this game…the refs were calling fouls in most OKC games,” one fan stated.
“The @nba wants Game 7 and it’s obvious,” added another.
“He’s been getting terrible calls in this game, it’s really crazy,” commented a third.
While a fourth responded: “The NBA wants a Game 7 so bad…
“Imagine missing such an obvious foul and your response is to give a technology to the guy who is telling you you missed.”
Dallas ended up winning 117-116, clinching a spot in the conference finals in the process.
Luke Doncic led the Mavericks in scoring with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 36 points to go along with eight assists and three rebounds.
This will mark Dallas’ second trip to the Conference Finals in three years as they continue to look for their first NBA Finals appearance since the 2010-2011 season.
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Now the wait begins to find out whether they will face the Denver Nuggets or the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference finals.
That series is tied 3-3 in Game 7 on Sunday at 8pm ET on TNT.
The conference finals will begin on Wednesday, May 22.
NBA Western Conference Playoffs
First round
Oklahoma City Thunder (1) 4-0 New Orleans Pelicans (8)
Los Angeles Clippers (4) 2-4 Dallas Mavericks (5)
Minnesota Timberwolves (3) 4-0 Phoenix Suns (6)
Denver Nuggets (2) 4-1 Los Angeles Lakers (7)
Conference Semifinals
Oklahoma City Thunder (1) 2-3 Dallas Mavericks (5)
Minnesota Timberwolves (3) 3-3 Denver Nuggets (2)
On the opposite side of the bracket, the Boston Celtics have already secured their place in the Eastern Conference Finals.
They will face either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks.
They will face off in Game 7 on Sunday at 3:30 pm ET on ESPN.
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