CNN
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Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić and head coach Jason Kidd were both sent off for their 116-106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday as the team’s disappointing season continues.
With Dallas leading 85-69 with two minutes left in the third quarter, Dončić was knocked down by Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels as he tried to defend a shot from the Slovenian. Despite Dončić’s protests and to his anger, the referee opted not to call a foul for the contact.
After a foul was called at the other end of the pitch in the following game, everything Dončić said to the officials did not go over well, earning him two quick technical fouls from referee Nick Buchert and therefore his ejection to the perplexity of the Slovenian.
As Dončić protested against the calls, his head coach Kidd was judged for complaining too loudly for the officials’ liking, earning himself two quick technical fouls and his own ejection moments later.
Dončić, who finished with 19 points, six rebounds and seven assists, later told the media that he received no explanation for the reason for his two technical fouls.
“I probably deserved one, but two, of course not,” Dončić said. “I deserved the first – I’m not going to lie. Certainly not the second. I was really shocked.
He added: “I didn’t know what was going on. I heard that I had been ejected. I was like, ‘Oh, that’s a surprise.’ ”
Kidd did not respond to questions from the media afterward, opting instead to issue a short statement before leaving.
“I’m here because I have to be,” Kidd said. “I’ve already donated money, so I don’t want to donate any more, so no questions.
“We’re going to go back and watch the tape and see how we can improve. They were the best team tonight and we’ll go from there. Thanks for coming.
Dončić is no stranger to technical fouls, having tied for second in the NBA last year with 18. The 23-year-old is among the league leaders again this year.
The loss continues the Mavericks’ sub-parity from the 2022-23 season, as the team’s record drops below .500 at 15-16.
For a team that reached the Western Conference Finals last season, Dallas has now lost 11 of its last 18 games and dropped to 10th in the Western Conference standings.
Although Dončić is having another great season personally – he’s averaging 32.5 points per game, second in the NBA – Dallas as a whole has struggled, with shooting, defense and offense – outside of his Slovenian star – the main concerns.
