The Dallas Mavericks have been fined US$750,000 after controversially fielding a weakened team in their loss to the Chicago Bulls earlier this month, the NBA said on Friday.
The NBA said the Mavericks’ abrupt decision to hold out five key players in a game they had to win to have a chance of reaching the post-season represented “conduct detrimental to the league.”
“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,” said Joe Dumars, NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations. “The Mavericks’ actions failed our fans and our league.”
The NBA said the Mavericks’ decision was made to improve the franchise’s chances of retaining a first-round pick in this year’s draft.
The Mavericks still owe a first-round pick to the New York Knicks as part of the trade for Kristaps Porzingis in 2019, but if the NBA’s draft lottery determines they have a top-10 selection, they do not have to give it up. A lower finish in the overall standings increases the odds of drawing a top-10 pick in the lottery.
However, the league said there was no evidence that the players who took to the court for the game were not playing to win.
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