Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic received his 16th technical foul of the season on Friday night during a 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, placing him at risk of a one-game suspension.
The incident occurred with 5:12 left in the third quarter after an offensive foul was called on Doncic. He and Nets forward Ziaire Williams were assessed double technicals following a jostle, with video review showing Doncic pushing Williams and Williams swiping back at his face.
Doncic, who finished with 41 points, disputed the call afterward. He said Williams yelled in his face multiple times, and he tried to disengage.
“I didn’t even talk. I just wanted to get out of there,” Doncic explained, via ESPN, adding that officials described his push as exaggerated.
This marks the second time in just over a week that Doncic has reached the NBA’s 16-technical threshold, which triggers an automatic suspension. Last weekend, he was whistled for his 16th technical after a verbal exchange with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze.
The league rescinded both players’ technicals upon review, allowing Doncic to avoid missing a game
Lakers coach JJ Redick indicated the team would appeal Friday’s technical, though success appears unlikely since officials reviewed the play beforehand.
If upheld, Doncic would sit out Monday’s home game against the Washington Wizards. The suspension would cost him roughly $317,000.
