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The Dallas Mavericks suffered a heartbreaking 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors at home. Dallas’ loss infuriated team owner Mark Cuban as an alleged refereeing mistake cost them two crucial points.
Shams Charania of The Athletic later reported that the Mavericks are planning to file a formal protest after the said incident.
Fans trolled the Dallas Mavericks’ move:
“Crying harder than Luka”
Here’s what Mark Cuban had to say about the third-quarter confusion that led to the Warriors’ unguarded basket:
"For those wondering about the play with 1:54 to go on the 3rd, let me explain what happened. The ref called Mavs ball. The announcer announced it. Then there was a timeout. During the time out the official changed the call and never told us. Then when they saw us line up as if it were our ball, he just gave the ball to the warriors.
"Never said a word to us They got an easy basketball. Crazy that it would matter in a 2 point game. Worst officiating non call mistake possibly in the history of the NBA. All they had to do was tell us and they didn't."
With the entire Dallas Mavericks side on the other side of the floor, Kevon Looney had an uncontested dunk from a Jordan Poole pass. There were still 1:54 left in the third quarter when the basket was made. Golden State led 96-93 heading into the fourth quarter.
Last year’s Western NBA finalists traded blows for the entire final period. It wasn’t until Steph Curry’s pass to Draymond Green, which led to a three-point play, that got the Warriors some separation. Green’s basket gave the Warriors a 123-120 lead that they did not relinquish.
Sean Wright, the crew chief that night, countered Cuban’s tweet in the pool report. Wright said that the original call was that the Golden State Warriors had possession after a timeout.
Most of the fans at the American Airlines Center were dumbfounded after Looney’s dunk. Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic couldn’t believe what happened when the referees counted the basket.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr was also unsure what went on when the Mavericks lined up on the wrong side of the floor.
Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks will have to file the protest quickly
The next 48 hours will be crucial for the Dallas Mavericks should they go ahead with a formal protest. If they can’t file a written complaint before the said time, the Golden State Warriors will get the official win.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will notify both teams if a complaint has been filed that they have five days to submit the necessary evidence boosting their respective cases.
Once evidence from both camps has been submitted, Silver will decide within five days.
Given how crucial the game was for both teams, expect the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks to vehemently argue their respective cases.
The loss dropped the Mavericks to 36-37, which puts them in ninth place in the Western Conference. They’re just half a game ahead of the Utah Jazz, who are in 11th place and potentially outside of the play-in tournament.
You may also want to read: Is Mark Cuban Jewish? Everything to know about Mavs owner's ethnicity
