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Questionable calls? Silly fouls? Luka Doncic and the Mavericks in big NBA Finals hole

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Questionable calls? Silly fouls? Luka Doncic and the Mavericks in big NBA Finals hole

The score was 93-90, with still 4:12 left, but as far as 20,311 American Airlines Center fans were concerned, Game 3 of the NBA Finals hung in the balance as three referees stared at a replay monitor.

Luka Doncic, shockingly, had committed his sixth foul, with Boston’s Jaylen Brown tripping over Doncic’s right knee. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd later said, “I was stuck. I had to challenge it.”

The challenge was denied. Doncic fouled out for only the third time in his six-season NBA career and first time in the playoffs.

An already offensive-challenged Mavericks team clearly missed Doncic down the stretch of Wednesday’s 106-99 loss that shoved them into an 0-3 series hole in which no NBA team has recovered.

“We couldn’t play physical,” Doncic said. “I don’t want to say nothing. You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals, basically I’m like this.”

Doncic then put both out, palms out.

“C’mon, man. [Be] Better than that.”

Almost shocking as Doncic fouling out was the manner in which it happened. He committed four of the fouls during the fourth quarter alone, as Dallas initially fell behind by 21 points and rallied mightily with a 20-2 run.

Doncic was on the court for only 7:48 of the fourth quarter, shooting 1-for-5 from the field. The first three fouls:

— Offensive foul 13 seconds into the fourth quarter, with Brown drawing the charge.

— Fouled Payton Pritchard with 9:24 left.

— Fouled Brown with 4:38 left, though it appeared that Brown hooked Doncic with his arm. Asked why he didn’t challenge that call, Kidd shot back.

“Maybe we should have challenged all of them. I mean, you’re going to ask that question about challenging in the fifth foul, why wouldn’t we challenge them all?

When the reporter mentioned that it looked like Brown hooked Doncic, Kidd said: “Yeah, it looked . . . looks can be deceiving.”

Doncic was asked whether he has ever committed four fouls in that short of a span.

“Not really,” he said. “Never happened to me; that I remember.”

Mavericks fans, and the organization, will always wonder whether Dallas would have continued that 20-2 rally and pulled the victory out had Doncic not fouled out.

And had Dallas won to close the series deficit to 2-1? What might have become of the rest of the series?

We’ll never know. But while we’re playing the what-if game, what if Doncic, with 8:16 left in the third quarter, hadn’t committed a silly foul after missing a 9-foot jumper and then reached for a steal out of frustration?

They all add up. The fouls that were questionable calls. The fouls that were clear fouls. And the silly one that Doncic committed with that 64-59 deficit. A foul that seemingly didn’t matter at the time, but loomed large at game’s end.

More coverage from Mavericks-Celtics Game 3…

Five thoughts: Mavericks’ thrilling rally falls short, dropping Dallas to 0-3 vs. Celtics

Mavs need to make history to win NBA Finals, but can draw inspiration from NHL, MLB teams

Kyrie Irving showed up for Game 3, but it might be too late to salvage a Mavericks title

Questionable calls? Silly fouls? Luka Doncic and the Mavericks in big NBA Finals hole

No Kristaps, no problem: Celtics keep Mavs from capitalizing on Porzingis’ Game 3 absence

Luka Doncic will learn from Mavericks’ Game 3 loss, just like Jerry West predicted

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) lies flat on the floor after being fouled by Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) during the fourth quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. The Mavericks lost, 106-99(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks fans arrive and take selfies before Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks fan Christina Esparza wears a headband with photos of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving before Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki laughs with others as he shot hoops outside before Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
The NBA Finals Larry O’Brien trophy was a selfie spot in Victory Plaza ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks Breakers team members Jeff Hampton (top) flips over Johan Nguyen as they perform in Victory Plaza ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Hoop Bus Ukrainian basketball player Smoove takes the ball from homer Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki and passes under his leg before dunking it outside American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. The Dallas Mavericks were facing the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki plays a game with Hoopbus players outside the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.
The Dallas Mavericks were facing the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
A Dallas Mavericks fan cheers outside the arena before Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic heads to to the court before during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West was remembered before Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times, died earlier in the day.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics players observe a moment of silence for Jerry West before Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Crowd cheers as Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington is introduced during Game 3 of the NBA finals against the Boston Celtics, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is introduced before Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is introduced to the music by GuitarSlayer before Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
A Dallas Mavericks fan holds a sign in support of Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Kyrie Irving is introduced before Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) wins the opening tipoff in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes cheers during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots a three-pointer as Boston Celtics center Al Horford reaches to block during the first quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) is fouled as he collects a bucket over Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) during the first quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) reacts after being fouled while making a tough shot during the first quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. He was also guarded by Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4).(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates a basket by center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
A pump fake by Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) gets Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) off his feet before hitting a 3-pointer during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics fans celebrate a 3-pointer by forward Sam Hauser during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum dunks past Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) goes hard to the floor after he was contested on a first quarter three-pointer in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) takes a tumble after a shot as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) defends during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) throws down a dunk in front of Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) with one second remaining in the first quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dunks the ball past Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) throws down a dunk in front of Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) with one second remaining in the first quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving and minority owner Mark Cuban look on during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) wrestles a loose ball away from Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (right) dribbles against Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard during the second quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks fans celebrate a score during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Steve Nash points to Dirk Nowitzki during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) dunks the ball past Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Emmitt Smith takes a selfie while sitting courtside during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) throws down a second quarter dunk against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts after not getting a favorable foul call on a drive to the basket during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green receives the ball midair as he attempts to shoot a buzzer beater during the second quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) comes down with a third quarter offensive rebound against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla point to his team as Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) sweeps past Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the third quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) acknowledges he fouled Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) on a rebound during the third quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) loses the ball as Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and guard Jrue Holiday (4) defend during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) puts up a shot against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the third quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reacts after a Boston Celtics score during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) battles for an offensive rebound against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the third quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) reacts after contests that Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) last touched the ball as it went out of bounds during a third quarter rebound in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) battles for a defensive rebound against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the third quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban reacts to a call during the second half in Game 3 against the Boston Celtics of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) reacts after being kneed in the midsection by Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the third quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. Kleber was called for the foul as center Daniel Gafford (21) was trailing on the play.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (left) fights for a rebound against Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser during the third quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (left) shoots a three-pointer over Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) and forward Maxi Kleber during the third quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) looks back at Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, who reacts on the bench following the third quarter 3-pointer in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) and Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) chase down a loose ball during the third quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) dunks the ball past Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) and guard Josh Green (8) during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Referee James Capers (19) calls Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) for an offensive foul, his fourth foul of the game, as Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) draws the charge during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) gets his hand on a shot by Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) is fouled as he drive the lane against Boston Celtics guards Derrick White (9) and Jaylen Brown (7) during the fourth quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. The Mavericks lost, 106-99(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (center) passes the ball past Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (left) and guard Luka Doncic during the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) battles Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) for an offensive rebound during the fourth quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. The Mavericks lost, 106-99(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) puts up a 3-pointer and is fouled by Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. Irving shot and made his free throws as the Mavericks came back in the fourth quarter. But, the Mavericks lost, 106-99.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) watches a shot bounce out of the basket as Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) looks on during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the fourth quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. The Mavericks lost, 106-99(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) commits his fifth foul of the game while defending Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after being called for his fifth foul of the game while defending Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the NBA finals , on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) commits his sixth foul of the game while defending Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) fouled out of the game after he ran into Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the fourth quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. The Mavericks lost, 106-99(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after being called for his sixth foul while defending Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Referees James Capers (19) and Marc Davis (8) review Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic’s sixth foul against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, June 12, 2024. The Mavericks lost, 106-99(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks fans react as a comeback falls short against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the NBA finals, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic holds a towel to his face as he watches from the bench in the final seconds of a loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas. Doncic fouled out with over four minutes left in the game.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks players P.J. Washington (25), Dereck Lively II (2), and Kyrie Irving (11) walk down the court, after a three point shot missed by Irving, during the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the NBA finals, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Members of the media surrounds as Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (back) congratulates forward Jayson Tatum, following their team’s win over Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the NBA finals , on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Dallas Mavericks players exit the court after falling short against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA finals , on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)

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