Luka Dončić was not pleased with the officiating in Slovenia’s 100–89 quarterfinal loss to Canada in the FIBA World Cup on Wednesday morning.
Following the loss, the Mavericks star did not hold back on his comments toward officials, specifically regarding the play of Canadian star Dillon Brooks. While Brooks is known for his physical style of play and his growing role as the NBA’s ultimate antagonist, Dončić believes some of Brooks’s fouls in the game were uncalled for.
“The referees told to one of the guys ‘we’re not gonna call a foul on [Dillon Brooks] because he’s coming at us,’” Dončić said. “…I know I complain a lot, but I don’t think it’s fair.”
Dončić, like most NBA players, are very familiar with Brooks’s on-court antics. Despite his displeasure in the officiating, the four-time NBA All-Star still “respects” the forward’s style of play.
“A lot of people don’t like him, but I respect him for what he does,” Dončić said. “And he does that stuff really good.”
Canada managed to win the game to advance to the semifinals, despite Brooks being ejected from the contest. He finished the game with 14 points, three assists and three rebounds before his departure.
