The Mavs and OKC recently concluded one of the most intense matchups of the ongoing Semifinal series. After a 4 quarter-bout that had both teams charging neck to neck, the Mavericks were able to make use of a few last-second free throws to win the game by a score of 117-116. As always, Luka Doncic led the scoring effort, putting up a score of 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. With teammates Kyrie Irving and Derrick Jones Jr. providing a much-needed assist as well, the Slovenian has ended what OKC coach Mark Daigneault had set out to do.

During Game 6, an intense Doncic could be seen approaching the spot where Daigneault was standing. As the coach provided a set of instructions to his players, he proceeded to shout out, “They want a Game 7 for you guys”. With this remark, the Mavs player implied that Tony Brothers and the rest of the NBA refs were allegedly favoring his rivals. To his credit, Daigneault did not pay heed to the words and continued engaging in his task. Luka Doncic commented after Tony made a few foul calls against the player.

At the same time, however, the referee reportedly did not choose to call a third consecutive foul on Doncic’s teammate, Dereck Lively II, after he grabbed an offensive rebound. Doncic was still unimpressed with how things worked out against him. Furthermore, it didn’t help that during the game, Brothers and Daigneault were seen engaging in a light-hearted conversation.

While he may have made the disparaging comment towards Daigneault, Doncic did not choose to extend his frustration to the third person in the dispute: Brothers himself. During the game, the Mavericks star was seen folding his hands toward the coach and making a slight bow before engaging the referee in conversation. Given how Brothers chose to call a technical foul on Dejounte Murray a few months ago just for looking away, Doncic may have not wanted to make the situation any worse than it already was.

Whatever complaints Luka Doncic had, none of it mattered by the time Game 6 concluded. By recording their 4th win of the Semifinals, the Mavericks have now ended all hopes of OKC to have a Game 7. They will now head to the Conference Finals and take a shot at possessing the Championship ring for the first time since 2011.

How did Luka Doncic perform during Game 6?

After having recorded a 30-point triple-double during the previous matchup, expectations were high on the player to repeat his success. Fortunately, he did not disappoint. Today’s showcase is the player’s 4 playoff triple-double in the ongoing tournament and his 7 when taking all previous playoffs into account. He achieved this score by making over 9-15 field goals, 4-6 three-pointers, and 7-7 free throws.

The OKC had started the faceoff with a strong lead. By the time the first half concluded, they had a 64-48 score to their name. However, a 16-point deficit may have sent the Mavericks into a state of shock, causing them to quickly pull up their socks.

They managed to get over the hump and take a lead over their rivals after Luka Doncic made use of a fadeaway from Luguentz Dort during the final 3:39 minutes. To their credit, however, OKC continued being neck to neck. After a foul was called against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, P.J. Washington made one of his free throws and finally secured the win.

As of now, there is no confirmation about whom the Mavericks will face in the Conference Finals. However, no matter who they might face, do you think Luka Doncic will have a serious re-think about what he said to Tony Brothers today?