Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks overcame the Oklahoma City Thunder in game 6 of the semifinals. They are through to the Western Conference finals for the second time in three seasons. However, it was not easy as the Mavs were behind in the first half 64-48. Doncic too was particularly not hitting his stride and showed a lot of frustration towards the refs. And such an issue could have harmed the team and Mark Jackson called it “inexcusable”.

On Episode 54 of the Mark Jackson Show, Night Mode edition, the father-son duo discussed the game 6. Jackson Sr. said, “I thought he got frustrated and what he has to realize it has its effect on the Supporting Cast. When he’s when he’s looking for excuses or you’re gonna get good calls you’re gonna get bad calls and I thought he almost crossed the line.”

Had Doncic persisted with his heated arguments he could have gotten a second technical which would have been inexcusable. Jackson further compared the antics with Draymond Green who had multiple issues this season. Despite being fit, Green did not play a major part because of his numerous suspensions.

Mark Jackson said players like Doncic are too important for their team so they should be extra careful. He added, “You handcuff your your team when you get caught up in calls or not calls. Do your job and understand that as a superstar you get benefit, you benefit from calls a lot of the time.”

He also appreciated the calmness Doncic brought back in the second half where he was speaking with the referees more acceptable fashion. This was not the first time when Jackson Sr. had called for players to be calm.

Mark Jackson defends Refs

In episode 29 of The Mark Jackson Show, Bluu asked his father’s opinion on a change in the way referees are calling the games in the playoffs when compared to the regular season. “Two things, I’ll say…One is; make the adjustments, if you’re the player. I don’t care what game I went into. I didn’t treat it like it was the last game because it’s a different refereeing crew and they’re going to referee differently,” Jackson replied.

He also mentioned how, whatever way a referee is refereeing the game, a player has to make the proper adjustments accordingly. However, Jackson also believes the referees should stick to that for 48 minutes.

Do you agree with the 59-year-old thoughts on Luka Doncic and the comparison with Draymond Green? Or that the referees are officiating differently throughout the season?

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