Luka Doncic foul: Mavericks star frustrated after fouling out at crucial point of Game 3 loss to Celtics

Luka Doncic’s night ended early in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

As the Mavericks looked to pull off a furious fourth-quarter comeback from down 21 points, Doncic picked up his sixth foul after a somewhat controversial blocking call. Given Doncic’s importance to Dallas’ efforts, head coach Jason Kidd challenged the call, but it was unsuccessful and Doncic was disqualified from the game.

After Doncic fouled out, the Mavs could not generate enough offense to complete the comeback, suffering a 106-99 loss to fall into a 3-0 series deficit to the Celtics.

What was Doncic whistled for? Here’s a closer look at his sixth and final foul of Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

MORE: Celtics hold off Mavericks comeback attempt to take 3-0 NBA Finals lead

Luka Doncic foul

With the Celtics holding a three-point lead, Jaylen Brown pushed the ball in transition while Doncic attempted to stop the ball by impeding Brown’s path.

Doncic was whistled for a blocking foul for the contact made between him and Brown.

Luka Doncic has fouled out of Game 3 after the Mavs challenge on this call was unsuccessful pic.twitter.com/jePE4S147b

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 13, 2024

Given the closeness between blocking fouls and offensive charges, Kidd called for a challenge in an attempt to keep Doncic in the game.

Here is what officiating crew chief Marc Davis said of the decision for the call to stand: “Replay has determined that Doncic does not establish a legal guarding position in the path of Brown. There is no clear and conclusive evidence to change it. The call on the floor stands.”

Doncic was whistled for four of his six fouls in the fourth quarter, with the final two fouls coming within 30 seconds. After clawing back to within three points, Dallas lost by seven points.

After the game, Doncic attempted to tread lightly when asked about his final foul of the game.

“I don’t know. We couldn’t play physical so I don’t know,” Doncic told reporters. “I don’t want to say nothing but — sixth foul in the NBA Finals, I’m like this [motions arms] … Come on, man. Be better than that.”