The Dallas Mavericks’ bench has been a bit too involved for the NBA’s liking.
For the third time this month alone, Dallas has been fined for a violation of bench decorum. Their first fine was $25,000, the second $50,000 and now they’ve been fined $100,000.
The following is from the NBA:
“The Dallas Mavericks organization has been fined $100,000 for continuing to violate league rules regarding bench decorum, it was announced today by Byron Spruell, President, League Operations. The amount of Dallas’ fine also reflects prior infractions of team bench decorum rules in the 2022 NBA playoffs.
On multiple occasions, several players and a member of the coaching staff stood for an extended period in the Maverick’s team bench area, stood away from the team bench, and were on or encroaching upon the playing court during game action in Dallas’ 126-117 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on May 20 at Chase Center.”
The violations reflect, as stated, that the Mavericks have had players off the bench and crowding the court. The most notable example came in the clip above, when Stephen Curry passed the ball out of bounds because Theo Pinson, wearing white that matched the Warriors’ uniforms, was standing up off the bench with his hand raised.
The Mavericks’ last violation came in Game 7 against the Suns and the first was in Game 2. While it’s a rapidly increasing rate of violations, the Mavericks will need to extend the series at home to secure another fine.