Luka Doncic returned for the Dallas Mavericks after missing the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Doncic featured in the 1st game against the Minnesota Timberwolves before they play them again on Thursday. Luka and Dallas head coach Jason Kidd had a night to forget after being ejected by Rodney Mott. The official Mott is accountable for 2 out of 4 of Doncic’s career ejections.
The Mavericks’ night went from bad to worse within seconds, when Doncic received two quick technicals. Doncic received his seventh and eighth technicals of the season late in the third quarter. The Mavericks’ head coach Kidd was not at all happy seeing his star man ejected. Kidd stormed onto the court to get an explanation from the referee but was ejected by him. This makes Jason’s 2nd ejection for the season.
Luka Doncic finished the game earlier than he had expected, scoring 19 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. The Timberwolves took advantage of the situation and blew away the visitors, 116-106. The Mavs were already falling apart in the second quarter where the score for the quarter was 36-14 for the Timberwolves. Thanks to Davis Bertans who kept the Timberwolves from tearing them to shreds.
The loss to the Timberwolves has dropped them to 10th in the Western Conference for the time being. The Timberwolves moved up on the Mavericks and also the Utah Jazz after they lost against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Mavs will get another chance to rectify last night’s errors on Thursday when the Timberwolves will host them again.
Who is Rodney Mott, NBA referee under fire for Luka Doncic’s foul against Timberwolves
Rodney Mott is the referee for last night’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. Mott is responsible for half of Doncic’s career ejections. The NBA also confirmed the decision from the referee as reported by Brand Townsend. Mott explained Doncic’s ejection and expressed an “unsportsmanlike”, behavior towards the official.
League source confirms @TheSteinLine report that Luka Doncic’s 14th and 15th technical fouls will stand. Not a huge surprise, given that lead official Rodney Mott specifically cited the rules that Doncic was deemed to have broken as “unsportsmanlike” acts toward the officials.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) May 3, 2021
Some people only get a few opportunities to see NBA stars play in their lives. Rodney mott is here to make sure only if the star treats him REALLY SUPER nice then the fans get to see the guys they pay to see play
— A Person (@roddybuckets) December 20, 2022
With last night’s ejection, Mott put a stop to Doncic’s 36-straight 20-point performance. It seems if a player cannot stop Doncic, someone had to, and it was none other than referee Rodney Mott. It has been an issue for the past few seasons, the officials have become too soft in making decisions, a similar scenario happened in the Grizzlies vs Thunder game recently. Ja Morant was ejected after receiving his 2nd technical for entering into a conversation with a fan.
Luka Doncic finished with 19 points, snapping his franchise-record streak of 36 straight 20-point performances.
The only man in the NBA who can hold Luka under 20? Rodney Mott. https://t.co/BvZkrZf61Y
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 20, 2022
No character, no integrity. @luka7doncic has been ejected 4 times in his career. Rodney Mott has done 2 of those himself. A very acceptable reaction to a no call and this clown boots Luka? Mott making it personal, no integrity,bad look once again for @OfficialNBARefs UNACCEPTABLE
— Shannon Brown (@MethodISMyMdnss) December 20, 2022
Rodney Mott pours his milk before his cereal.
— Alex (@DFWAlex2289) December 20, 2022
In his career as an NBA referee, Rodney has officiated 1,392 games in the regular-season and 51 playoff games in 24 seasons. Before becoming an NBA referee, Mott spent 4 years in the Continental Basketball Association as an official. He spent 8 years in the Pro-Am League in Los Angeles and spent 3 years at the junior college level in San Diego. Mott dedicated 3 years of active duty in service for his country in the United States Navy and 3 years in reserves.