Luka Doncic Stands Up for Teammate After Heated Confrontation with Kris Dunn.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was involved in a heated confrontation with Los Angeles Clippers player Kris Dunn during Tuesday's game at the Lakers' downtown arena. The Slovenian superstar, who scored 43 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds to lead his team to a 135-118 victory, had words for Dunn after he was checked into the back.
Doncic has a history with Dunn, and their verbal sparring is not new. In December 2023, they were both given technical fouls during a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz. Last March, Dunn appeared to injure Doncic with a trip from behind when the Lakers faced the Clippers.
However, it was Jaxson Hayes who stood up for his teammate, shoving Dunn twice after he attempted to retaliate with a swat at Hayes's head while officials separated them. As a result, Hayes will receive a technical foul, but won't be fined as the NBA has decided not to impose any financial penalty on him.
Doncic was quick to praise his teammate for backing him up and stated that it's what he loves about his team - everyone having each other's back. He also acknowledged that the special courts used for NBA Cup games can be slippery, saying "Adjust the courts, please... it's just slippery. It's dangerous."
The comments from Doncic come as complaints about the special courts have been growing in recent weeks. Other players have expressed concerns over the safety of playing on unworn hardwood, citing injuries such as Jaylen Brown's groin injury in 2023.
Despite his concerns, Doncic appeared to be in high spirits after the game, joking that he would accept any money earned from their group win, which will earn him at least $53,000.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was involved in a heated confrontation with Los Angeles Clippers player Kris Dunn during Tuesday's game at the Lakers' downtown arena. The Slovenian superstar, who scored 43 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds to lead his team to a 135-118 victory, had words for Dunn after he was checked into the back.
Doncic has a history with Dunn, and their verbal sparring is not new. In December 2023, they were both given technical fouls during a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz. Last March, Dunn appeared to injure Doncic with a trip from behind when the Lakers faced the Clippers.
However, it was Jaxson Hayes who stood up for his teammate, shoving Dunn twice after he attempted to retaliate with a swat at Hayes's head while officials separated them. As a result, Hayes will receive a technical foul, but won't be fined as the NBA has decided not to impose any financial penalty on him.
Doncic was quick to praise his teammate for backing him up and stated that it's what he loves about his team - everyone having each other's back. He also acknowledged that the special courts used for NBA Cup games can be slippery, saying "Adjust the courts, please... it's just slippery. It's dangerous."
The comments from Doncic come as complaints about the special courts have been growing in recent weeks. Other players have expressed concerns over the safety of playing on unworn hardwood, citing injuries such as Jaylen Brown's groin injury in 2023.
Despite his concerns, Doncic appeared to be in high spirits after the game, joking that he would accept any money earned from their group win, which will earn him at least $53,000.
, it's all about having each other's backs on this team. I mean, you can't blame Kris Dunn for trying to retaliate after that nasty trip from behind tho 
. But seriously, the special courts are a legit concern - I've seen guys go down hard on those slippery surfaces 
. It's not just about adjusting the courts, it's about player safety too 
. Doncic knows his stuff and he's right to speak up about it 
. And lol at Luka joking about taking all the money 
, that's what we love about him!
Luka Doncic is the ultimate team player! I love how he's always got his teammates' backs, and Jaxson Hayes totally came through for him after that heated confrontation with Kris Dunn 
. The special courts are definitely a concern, though - those things can be super slippery 
. But seriously, it's awesome to see the guys looking out for each other on the court 
. And doncic's just trying to bring some humor to the situation, which is what we need more of in life 
. All in all, I'm loving this team dynamic - they're like a big ol' family on and off the court 
!
I mean, come on Luka Doncic knows how to handle himself but his teammate Jaxson Hayes stepped up big time 
Luka says it's all about team unity and having each other's backs, I'm down with that 
I mean, Dunn tried to retaliate after being checked into the back and all Hayes did was defend his teammate, that's what teammates are for! 
That game was crazy though, 43 points from Doncic is insane! 
... don't need all those fancy courts to have some injuries 
... and what's with Dunn always trying to take out his teammates? 
... jaxson should've just talked to the ref instead of shoving him 
I'm so happy Jaxson Hayes stood up for Luka Doncic! Those courts are crazy slippery tho 
he's literally standing up for his teammate jaxson hayes even when kris dunn tries to retaliate 
!
. and lol at Luka's comment about adjusting the courts 