Luka Doncic, Luke Walton downplay rift during Dallas Mavericks’ blowout win over Kings
Luke Doncic and Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton exchanged words during the Dallas Mavericks’ 130-111 win Wednesday night at American Airlines Center.
Both Walton and Doncic downplayed the incident. In fact, Walton denied saying anything directly to Doncic.
And Doncic declined to disclose what he heard, or thought he heard, after the game. They both laughed it off. Doncic led the Mavs with 33 points and had 12 rebounds and eight assists in a 130-111 win.
“I have all the respect in the world for him,” Walton said. “he got what he wanted tonight, from where ever he wanted it. 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.”
The moment came at the end of the third quarter after Walton received a technical foul. Doncic pointed at Walton and said “Don’t do that.”
Later, after hitting a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, Doncic glared at Walton. Doncic, it should be noted, enjoys having an enemy on the court.
Doncic, who will start in the All-Star Game on Sunday, said with a grin that he hears something from the opposing bench every game.
“It happens every game. Nothing special,” Doncic said. Things happen. I know [what he said]. It was nothing special.”
Walton laughed off the notion that he would criticize Doncic, a player he called “impressive” before the game.
“I wouldn’t say anything. What would you say? Between him and [Kristaps] Porzingis they handled that game,” he said. “I have nothing but praise for him as a player.”
This story was originally published February 12, 2020 at 11:03 PM.
