Dallas Mavericks center/power forward Kristaps Porzingis was ejected during the third quarter in the Maverick’s first playoff game against the Los Angeles Clippers after being called for two technical fouls.
This was the first time in his career that Porzingis has been ejected from an NBA game. His first technical came with 6:02 remaining in the second quarter after Porzingis protested a foul that was called against him.
The second technical foul came with 9:10 remaining in the third quarter after an altercation with Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr., who wrapped his arms around Dallas star point guard Luka Doncic, which Porzingis didn’t take kindly to.
“I saw him getting into Luka’s face and I didn’t like that,” Porzingis said.
He finished the game with 14 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes.
Many players commented on the ejection online with retired Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki and Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James in particular, both saying that the call was “bogus” and “soft.”
Dallas had a 71-66 lead when Porzingis was ejected. After he left the game, the Clippers ended up outscoring Dallas by a 21-11 margin during the remainder of the third quarter in order to take the lead.
Dallas ended up losing the game 118-110.
