DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 08: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks talks to referee Tom Washington #49 at the end of the first quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center on March 27, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
WATCH: Luka Doncic picks up 16th technical foul, suspended one game
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 06: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks rests during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on April 06, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
When NBA fans buy tickets to games, they want to see the stars. Outside of the hardcore NBA fans, a lot of people going to games only know a few players on the team.
Los Angeles Lakers fans want to see LeBron James. Denver Nuggets fans want to see Nikola Jokic. Milwaukee Bucks fans want to see Giannis Antetokounmpo. Boston Celtics fans want to see Jayson Tatum.
And Dallas Mavericks fans want to see Luka Doncic.
Well, I’ve got some bad news for Mavs fans who bought to the final game of the season against the San Antonio Spurs. That star you wanted to see? He won’t be playing.
WATCH: Luka Doncic picks up 16th technical foul, suspended one game
In a blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, Doncic picked up his 16th technical foul of the season. Once a player reaches 16 technical fouls in a season, they are automatically suspended for one game.
Doncic has been known for complaining to the refs, and this time around, it was long-time NBA official Tony Brothers who gave him the T. In the pool report after the game, Brothers gave an explanation:
Despite Doncic not using any profanity, Brothers T’d him up for continuously complaining about a call. The technical game in between quarters, and Doncic was clearly not happy with the call.
After the game, the Slovenian superstar gave his thoughts on the matter, saying, “I don’t really know how I got a tech there.” He claimed that all he asked Brothers was “how was that not a foul.”
Obviously, Doncic’s reputation is that of a “complainer.” Badgering the refs over and over again is a sure-fire way to ensure that they dole out techs like they’re candy on Halloween.
Doncic’s 16th tech puts him in a tie with Karl-Anthony Towns for the most this season, with Trae Young Russell Westbrook, and Montrezl Harrell not too far behind with 15.
So again, sorry, Mavericks fans. Doncic won’t be playing in the final game of the season against the Spurs on Sunday. But look on the bright side. At least now he’ll have some extra rest ahead of the playoffs.
