“He is costing his team!” Luka Doncic gets SHREDDED for attitude and defensive disaster on live TV

Luka Doncic complained about the officials after getting fouled out late in Game 3.

“He is costing his team!” Luka Doncic gets SHREDDED for attitude and defensive disaster on live TV

Luka Doncic was slammed by Brian Windhorst for Game 3 performance

Luka Doncic, by far, has remained the best player in the finals, even when including his opponents, the Boston Celtics. However, the star is not the greatest in defense and protecting the rim. His flawed efforts late in the final quarter cost the team to lose Game 3. This caused NBA insider Brian Windhorst to call out Doncic on live television brutally.

After only scoring two points in the fourth quarter, Luka Doncic was fouled out with a blocking foul. The star was furious as he aggressively told the bench to call a challenge on the play. His attitude and lack of defense were ‘unacceptable’ for Brian Windhorst, as he told on ESPN’s Sports Center. 

His defensive performance is unacceptable. He is a hole on the court... They [Celtics] are ahead in the series because they've attacked him defensively. And you've got a situation here where Luka is complaining about the officiating, they've begged him. They've talked with him, they've pleaded with him. He's costing his team because how he treats the officials.
Brian Windhorst via ESPN’s Sports Center
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Windhorst further acknowledged that Doncic was the reason behind the Mavericks’ success so far, but his performance in the third game remained quite the opposite. The Insider stated that his performance and complaints about the officials after the game would eventually be cited as the reason for the Mavericks going down 0-3.

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Doncic could not stop the Celtics and scored close to no points during crucial time. The team made a huge comeback, but Doncic’s exit cost the team the loss. It would certainly remain a difficult task to rise from a 0-3 deficit. As such, Windhorst wants Doncic at his for the remaining games.

Luka Doncic flashed the money sign on the officials after the sixth foul

Doncic does not have the best relationship with the officials in the league. The star often faces backlash for the amount of complaining he does in games. Hence, it was expected that Doncic would have an intense reaction after getting fouled out for the first time in playoffs. However, the star might have taken it too far.

Doncic was already furious about his fifth foul, but the coaching staff did not challenge it despite his pleading. Hence, the sixth foul sent the guard over the edge as he swore at the Mavericks bench. The Slovenian superstar did not forget the referees as he flashed the money sign accusing them of rigging the game.

The moment was rarely caught on camera, but the star will likely receive a fine for his actions. Last year, the Slovenian made the same gesture against the Golden State Warriors and was fined $35,000. It will be interesting to see the NBA’s reaction to his gesture and comments in the press conference.

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