Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is known not just for his dreaded step-back jumper, but also for his penchant for complaining to the referees. It has caused him to accumulate a bunch of technicals for the Mavs. Now he knows that he needs to work on containing his emotions.
Per Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Luka Doncic acknowledged that his excessive whining to the referees have negatively affected his and the Mavs' play.
Rather than further slamming the referees, Luka Doncic believes that he needs to fix himself.
“[It’s difficult] with all the emotions in games, but obviously I’ve got to stop. It’s just hard for me on the court with all the emotions, but I realize it and I’ve got to work on this.”
Luka Doncic on complaining to refs: "[It’s difficult] with all the emotions in games, but obviously I’ve got to stop. It’s just hard for me on the court with all the emotions, but I realize it and I’ve got to work on this."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 7, 2021
Luka Doncic actually leads the league in technical fouls (tied with Dwight Howard) with 16. In third place in Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (14) followed by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (12).
While this seems to be a welcome development, some fans noticed that Luka Doncic has made this resolution several times now. And yet nothing seems to have changed.
Article Continues Belowhttps://twitter.com/nlcknotnick/status/1390503427327762433?s=20
One fan believes that Luka Doncic will likely start using his fists instead of complaining. Although this method would likely result in more technical fouls and probably a multi-game suspension.
https://twitter.com/AlexOlorin9/status/1390506245665267714?s=20
One fan backed Doncic by pointing out that the referees should probably try to do their jobs very well. Yes, Luka Doncic and several NBA players complain a lot. But some referees do miss blunt calls and don't even get punished for it.
I mean it would help if we actually had @NBAOfficial who know how to blow a whistle when fouls are committed and not just when they wanna look good. Would help if #NBA refs had to take a required lessons on how to spot fouls and when to call them. Never 2 late 2 go back 2 school!
— #MFFL (@falcon99) May 7, 2021
Whatever the case may be, Mavs fans would need to wait and see if Doncic can control his emotions. They wouldn't want their superstar to get a bad rep for his temper.