“I deserved the first one, and I’m not going to lie”

On Monday, the Mavericks’ poor run got worse when star guard Luka Doncic and Jason Kidd were both expelled. a 116-106 loss Minnesota Timberwolves

Kidd seemed irritated after the game but he licked his lips on the podium.

Kidd stated that he was here “because I have to be there”. “I have already given up money, so it’s not something I want to give up anymore. So no questions. We’ll look back at the tape and find ways to improve. We’ll continue to improve on their performance tonight.

“Thanks for being here.”

The Mavs coach was done, and he fulfilled all his media obligations in a very brief manner.

Both the ejections occurred with just 2:00 remaining in the third period and the Timberwolves leading 85-71. Doncic protested that he was fouled during a shot and demanded a no-call. Rodney Mott was familiar with Doncic’s situation and gave Doncic two quick whistles.

Jason Kidd was trailing the Mavericks by 14 with his star guard absent, and took this opportunity to let officials know. Nick Buchert gave him two technicals, and he was ejected.

Doncic is no stranger to technical fouls. He was second in the league with 18 Last season and is among the league leaders In 2022-23, again. Even Doncic has acknowledged That he complains too much For officials.

Mott has ejected Doncic before He is clearly not patient with his grievances. Mott’s decision was not supported by Doncic. However, even Doncic believes he got the first whistle.

Doncic said that while I probably deserved the one, he deserved two. “I deserved it, and I won’t lie. It’s not the second. I was truly shocked when I was ejected.

“It was confusing. I didn’t know what was happening. When I found out that I had been ejected, it was a surprise to me. So I smiled.

The Mavericks don’t consider ejections a major concern right now, even though they are a concern. They were hoping to jump up the Western Conference standings this season. Monday’s loss was their 10th consecutive in 16 games. It dropped them below.500 at 15-16. On Monday, that was good for 10th position in the West.