Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was ejected early in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers after being called for a Flagrant 2 foul.
After a lengthy replay review, the officials ruled that Doncic made “an aggressive strike to the groin area” of Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton, justifying the Flagrant 2 ruling. The incident occurred when Doncic and Sexton were fighting for rebounding position with 10:05 remaining in the first half.
The Mavs had a 68-57 lead before Sexton made both free throws.
Doncic, who had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists before being ejected, responded to the ruling with wide eyes, indicating surprise. He laughed as he exited the floor.
The Flagrant 2 does not count toward Doncic’s technical foul total. He has 15 technical fouls this season, one shy of an automatic one-game suspension.
It is the second time Doncic has been ejected in a five-game span. He got called for two technical fouls in a May 2 loss to the Sacramento Kings, the second one called with 31 seconds remaining, triggering the ejection.