Mark Cuban questions officials after loss
As he prepares to possibly receive his first fine of the season from the NBA, an angry and frustrated Mark Cuban would like to know why Monta Ellis can’t get a favorable call from the officials whenever he barrels down the lane and goes to the basket.
Cuban said he’s seen Ellis repeatedly take shots to his head and body on forays to the basket, only to see the officials swallow their whistles.
“That happens three times a game for Monta every game,” Cuban said following Friday’s 94-76 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center. “It’s ridiculous.”
Cuban said the Mavs have sent “a long list” of film to the NBA showing
“We tried to play by the game, and maybe it’ll all change next year,” Cuban said. “I don’t even expect the league to change anything.”
Cuban is even encouraging Mavs fans to take to the powerful social media vehicles and point out the calls that are not going Ellis way.
Cuban said: “I’m hoping fans – every time something that happens – fans post the video so that everybody sees it.”
Adam Silver took over as the NBA commissioner for David Stern on Feb. 14, 2014. Cuban has not been fined since Silver became the commissioner, but that may be about to change.
When he was asked if he expects to be fined for making disparaging remarks about the officiating, Cuban said: “I don’t care one way or the other.”
By the way, Ellis suffered a right knee injury midway through the third quarter and did not return to the game. That was a big blow for the Mavs, particularly since Ellis tallied a season-high tying 38 points when Dallas defeated San Antonio 101-94 on Tuesday.
On Friday, Ellis played just 23 minutes and finished with 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting and did not attempt any free throws. The Mavs were only behind 58-54 when Ellis left for good, and the offensive air left the Mavs’ balloon with his departure.
So why isn’t Ellis receiving his fair share of calls? The Mavs experience this same, what they claim, is a miscarriage of justice last season, and this season the same claims have surfaced.
“I have no idea,” Cuban said. “It’s just some of the most ridiculous feedback we get.
“The guy is one of the leading guys at driving to attack the basket.”
This story was originally published March 28, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Mark Cuban questions officials after loss."