The Sacramento Kings head coach Luke Walton received a technical foul for arguing with the referee in the third quarter in a game versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Walton was not satisfied with the officiating, which, in his opinion, favored the Mavs’ star Luka Doncic. After getting the technical, the Kings’ coach shout to Doncic: “Hey Luka, do me a favor, give him your autograph after the game (points at official) – He’s a fan, he’s a fan of yours.”
Post game, Walton praised Luka for the way he handled the game, per Brad Townsend of Dallas Morning News:
“Yeah, I don’t know. I have all the respect in the world for him. He got what he wanted tonight, wherever he wanted. I wasn’t saying anything to him. I don’t know if he thought I said something to him. He had a great game. He’s a great player and he led his team to victory. Give him credit.”
“I wouldn’t have said anything (to him). What can you say? Between him and Porzingis, they handled that game. Nothing but praise for him as a player. He had a great game.”
The Mavericks won the game 130-111 behind 33 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists from Luka Doncic. Kristaps Porzingis added 27, 13 and 5 respectively. The 20-year-old Slovenian also passed LeBron James for the most 30-point, 10-rebound games in the NBA history by a player before turning 21 years old.
The Kings were led by Buddy Hield who had 22 points and 9 assists.
Game recap:
Doncic’s highlights:
