Mavs’ Luka Doncic Fined for Directing ‘Money Sign’ at Ref

Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic has been fined $35,000 for “directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official,” NBA executive VP Joe Dumars announced in a league release.

The incident occurred at the end of the Mavs’ loss to the Warriors earlier in the week. Dallas is protesting the outcome of that game with the league office, team owner Mark Cuban said.

Doncic looked in the direction of an official and rubbed his fingers together, suggesting that the refs were being paid extra to make sure the Warriors won.

NBA officiating has been publicly criticized by players and coaches (and the general public) at an alarming rate this season, especially as playoff battles and intensity crank up in both conferences.

While the league certainly has favorites in terms of franchises that are sure to draw big ratings in the playoffs and Finals, it’s highly unlikely that the officials are receiving more money to make those things happen.

Luka Doncic makes money sign to refs. Mavs protesting loss to Warriors. More NBA @WireHoops https://t.co/07DB6szupr pic.twitter.com/iDjNbDLjJG

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) March 23, 2023