Watch: Luka Doncic flashes money sign at referee Kevin Scott after fouling out of Game 3 of NBA Finals
Luka Doncic might end up paying more than the $35k fine he paid the last time when he taunted the game referees last year. The Dallas Mavericks guard made his displeasure very clear when he flashed the money sign for the second time in his NBA career.
He did so this time in the 2024 NBA Finals after he was called for a foul that had him exit the game. A blocking foul call on the WCF MVP saw him record his sixth for the evening, leading to his move to the bench for the final minutes of the fourth quarter. His absence was felt, as the Mavs went down 106-99 to the Celtics who now lead 3-0.
Soon after fouling out, a dejected Doncic had his arms up in the air. Here's the video:
According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the guard flashed the money line to referee Kevin Scott for his call.
"Luka Doncic just fouled out, and did the money sign at Kevin Scott after doing so."
Doncic's exit meant that the Celtics could build back enough of a lead to close out the game. His late rally in the fourth quarter along with Kyrie Irving saw the Mavericks cut down the lead to two after trailing by 21 to start the fourth.
Tim Hardaway Jr. replaced Doncic on the lineup, but the offense sputtered in the closing seconds as Dallas went down 3-0.
Luka Doncic's money sign last year landed him in soup as the NBA dished out a $35k fine
Last year, Luka Doncic was slapped with a $35,000 fine for "directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official."
The All-Star guard was caught on camera rubbing his fingers together as a reference to money as he stared down the official during the team's 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors last year. Doncic had earlier expressed his disappointment with several no-calls to his drives. He was not assessed with a tech foul for his gesture.
The sign made headlines again when he showed his frustration during the 2023 FIBA World Cup during Slovenia's controversial quarterfinal with Canada. During the first half, Doncic made multiple money sign gestures to show his anger to the referees and even towards the VIP section where FIBA executives were in attendance.
It remains to be seen what the league's actions will be after Luka Doncic has been listed for the same gesture for a second time.