LUKA Doncic lashed out at the referees after committing a foul in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
The Dallas Mavericks guard was sent to the bench with four minutes remaining in Wednesday’s game after accumulating six fouls.
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Doncic scored 27 points but had to sit out the crucial final stages of the competition.
The Celtics survived Dallas’ late revival to win 106-99 and take a 3-0 lead in the seven-game series.
A dejected Doncic lashed out at the referees during his post-game press conference.
“We couldn’t play physically,” Doncic said when asked about the officiating.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to say anything.”
Doncic’s sixth foul was his fourth in a chaotic fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center.
After being whistled for blocking Jaylen Brown, the Slovenian begged the Mavericks bench to challenge.
“You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals, I’m basically like this,” Doncic added, putting his palms up.
“Come on, man. Be better than that.”
The loss puts the Celtics just one win away from their first NBA title in 16 years.
“It’s not over until it’s over,” Doncic added, “we just have to believe.”
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst nailed the Mavericks guard after the bruising loss.
“I thought it was perfect that Luka fell to the ground in an unacceptable position to put himself in with four minutes left, with five fouls,” Windhorst told SportsCenter.
“And then he immediately looks at the bench and says, ‘You better challenge him,’ as if it was the bench’s fault that he made a terrible play.”
“His defensive performance is unacceptable,” the ESPN analyst added.
NBA Finals Schedule
Thursday, June 6 – Game 1 – Dallas Mavericks 89-107 Boston Celtics
Sunday, June 9th – Game 2 – Dallas Mavericks 98-105 Boston Celtics
Wednesday, June 12 – Game 3 – Boston Celtics 106-99 Dallas Mavericks
Friday, June 14 – Game 4, 8:30 p.m. ET – Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
Mon, June 17 – Game 5, 8:30 pm ET – Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics
Thursday, June 20 – Game 6, 8:30 p.m. ET – Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
Sun, June 23 – Game 7, 8pm ET – Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics
(Boston beats Dallas 3-0)
Mavs coach Jason Kidd had sympathy for his star, who is currently playing due to a sprained right knee, per ESPN.
“He definitely has a target on his chest,” Kidd said.
“He has to be able to defend and understand that we are there to protect him and help him if he is defeated.
“Once again, he is carrying an offensive load. They’re putting him in every pick-and-roll and iso.
“He has to be able to play a game where he can rest on offense and let others carry the load.”
Game 4 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Friday night in Dallas, kicking off at 8:30 pm ET.
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