Luka Dončić found himself on the receiving end of an ironic punishment from the NBA on Friday in the wake of the Mavericks star taking aim at officials with a “money” taunt late in Wednesday’s controversial 127–125 home loss to the Warriors.
The NBA announced Dončić has been fined $35,000 for “directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official” in the closing moments of Wednesday’s matchup. Dončić’s tiff with the officiating crew occurred with 1.7 seconds remaining in regulation and Dallas trailing Golden State, 125–122.
Dončić attempted to shrink the deficit with a layup attempt against Draymond Green deep in the paint at the 3.2-second mark in the fourth quarter, but missed the shot after a tough contest. The four-time All-Star took umbrage with Green’s defense on the crucial play and proceeded to let the officials know it as he walked down the floor by rubbing his fingers together in a reference to money.
