NBA Twitter exploded when officials ejected Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis from Game 1 of their Western Conference first round series against the Los Angeles Clippers. ESPN tried to get the reaction of Mavs owner Mark Cuban. However, the billionaire businessman opted to remain mum on what many believe was a bogus decision from the referees.
Mark Cuban chose not to comment on Kristaps Porzingis' ejection when contacted by ESPN.
ā Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) August 18, 2020
Kristaps Porzingis was thrown out after the referees issued him his second technical foul on the evening. The former no. 4 overall pick stepped in to defend teammate Luka Doncic as he went at it with Clippers forward Marcus Morris. This led to a little shoving match between Porzingis and Morris.
Many believed this was a weak reason to eject the Latvian, let alone, warrant a technical, from his first ever NBA playoff game. The ejection even warranted a strong reaction from a disgusted LeBron James.
Man that was BOGUS AS HELL MAN!!!!! Cmon man. š¤¦š¾āāļø
ā LeBron James (@KingJames) August 18, 2020
Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki also thought it was a soft call from the officials.
That ejection is super softā¦
ā Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) August 18, 2020
What further drew the ire of NBA Twitter is that Porzingis' first technical foul was also very weak. That came after he argued what should have been a non-call on a clean block, based on the replays. Porzingis didn't get into it with the referees or shout at them and just gave a momentary reaction which shouldn't have warranted a technical in the first place. Perhaps him throwing his hands forced the refs to make the call.
The Mavs wound up losing Game 1, 118-110. The Mavericks had controlled the game and had the lead, 71-66, prior to Porzingis' ejected. His early exit clearly shifted towards the Clippers side.
Porzingis, who finished with 14 points and six rebounds, will look to keep his emotions in check as Dallas looks to bounce back and even the series in Game 2.
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