The Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban was left frustrated after last night’s officiating and calls for an official protest. It was a frustrating night for the Mavs after questionable officiating from the referees. It was one of those nights, where either team desperately needed a win. The win for both teams would strengthen their chances to secure playoff spots in the Western Conference. Nonetheless, the game resulted in favor of the Warriors.
The Mavericks after last night’s loss are out of the playoff spots and are 9th in the table. Luka Doncic played his first game after missing 5 games. However, he wasn’t happy either and got slammed by NBA fans for insinuating that the referees were paid off.
Warriors get a free bucket after the Mavs defend the wrong basket 😅
(via @warriors)pic.twitter.com/Uwtsnbqw4d
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 23, 2023
Cuban took to Twitter to explain his side of the story. “For those wondering about the play with 1:54 to go on the 3rd, let me explain what happened. The ref called Mavs ball . The announcer announced it. Then there was a timeout . During the time out the official changed the call and never told us. Then when they saw us line up as if it were our ball, he just gave the ball to the warriors,” Cuban said.
For those wondering about the play with 1:54 to go on the 3rd, let me explain what happened. The ref called Mavs ball . The announcer announced it. Then there was a timeout . During the time out the official changed the call and never told us. Then when they saw us line up as…
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) March 23, 2023
The Mavs were left helpless, after the timeout, when the Mavs lined up on the offensive side. They were expecting to start the game, as they had the ball before the break. “Never said a word to us They got an easy basketball. Crazy that it would matter in a 2 point game. Worst officiating non call mistake possibly in the history of the NBA . All they had to do was tell us and they didn’t,” Cuban added in his tweet.
Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks call to file a protest
The loss hurt the Mavs deeply and they have the right to feel robbed, as the game ended 127-125. This could be questioned after all the Warriors were given an easy bucket, which Kevon Looney capitalized on. According to the Athletics, “The Dallas Mavericks plan to file to the NBA a formal protest of their 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors tonight,” said Shams Charania on Twitter.
The Mavericks to file a “formal protest” of their 2-point loss to the Warriors tonight, per @ShamsCharania.
Mark Cuban: “During the timeout, the ref changed the call & never told us. Then when they saw us line up as if it were our ball, he just gave the ball to the Warriors.” pic.twitter.com/2kmjvflcVH
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 23, 2023
In a highly competitive Western Conference, every game counts, as no team below the 3rd seed is safe. As the last couple of games are left for each team, those with aspirations to go through to the playoff, each game is crucial.
The Mavs who have been dangling above the 6th seed is out of the top 8 to qualify for the playoffs. It is mighty annoying for the Mavs faithful. They signed Kyrie Irving to strengthen their chances for a title but are now looking to be crashing out of it.
