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There are consequences for the Dallas Mavericks after resting players against the Chicago Bulls.
The NBA has take severe action against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, April 14, 2023.
The Mavericks were accused on tanking in their fixture against the Chicago Bulls that took place on Friday, April 7, 2023.
The Mavericks decided to rest superstar player Kyrie Irving against the Bulls. Franchise player Luka Doncic also only played the first quarter and did not return for the second half.
Other key players for the Mavericks that missed the game included, Josh Green (rest), Tim Hardaway Jr. (left ankle soreness), Maxi Kleber (right hamstring injury recovery) and Christian Wood (rest).
The Mavericks decision to rest key players against the Bulls suggested that they were tanking to keep the pick and therefore ended all hopes of making it to the post season.
Missing several key players, the Mavericks lost to the Bulls and there decision to rest key players went viral and eventually led to investigation by the association.
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NBA fines Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks organization was fined $750,000 by the NBA for an elimination game behavior against the Chicago Bulls that was damaging to the league.
The Mavericks disregarded the league's rules on player rest and made it clear by their actions and public pronouncements that they wanted to lose the contest in order to increase their chances of keeping their first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The players who took part in the game were not found by the league to not be playing for victory.
NBA Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars explained the fine in a statement.
He said, “The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to restrict key players from fully participating in an elimination game last Friday against Chicago undermined the integrity of our sport.
“The Mavericks’ actions failed our fans and our league.”
It turned out to be a disappointing season for the Dallas Mavericks as they were expected to contend in the western conference following the acquisition of Irving from the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline.
The Bulls on the other hand still have a chance to make the post season the hard way.
The Bulls pulled out a shock win in Canada against the Toronto Raptors in their first play-in fixture.
The Bulls now face the Miami Heat in their final play-in fixture and a chance to take on the Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference playoffs first round.
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