Kristaps Porzingis' $50,000 fine during the Dallas Mavericks' playoff series with the Los Angeles Clippers didn't become a big issue and quickly faded away amid the intensity of the postseason. Apparently, however, Luka Doncic was not happy at all with what his Mavs teammate did.
According to Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated, Doncic did not like the fact that Porzingis went to an LA strip club that led to the fine. Besides, the Mavs were just starting their playoffs series with the Clippers and had no room for any unnecessary distraction.
Remember when Porzingis broke the rules and snuck off to an L.A. strip club during the playoffs? The Mavs pretended to laugh it off; privately, Doncic wasn’t chuckling.
— fishsports (@fishsports) June 27, 2021
Kristaps Porzingis was punished by the NBA with the costly fined due to a violation in the league's health and safety protocols that prevent players from going into a bar, club, lounge and other establishments. Fortunately, he was not suspended or had to quarantine despite the violation.
Still, it is understandable why Luka Doncic would be frustrated with what happened–if the report turns out to be true. After all, he really needed Porzingis to focus and be the second superstar that would help him night in and night out.
For what it's worth, Porzingis had a big game after the incident, scoring 20 points and registering four rebounds, three steals and two blocks in Game 2 to help Dallas take a 2-0 lead. He was unable to keep the same production as the Mavs bowed down in seven contests, though, and a lot of people blamed him for the team's early exit.
While the story is all in the past now, it doesn't bode well for the Mavs. There have been a lot of talks about the relationship of the two stars, and this latest rumor will only fuel speculations that they don't like each other.
Hopefully, the two have already worked out their differences and instead try to improve on their chemistry should they remain teammates for the 2021-22 campaign.
Follow Us
Subscribe