The rivalry between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns took a heated turn on Wednesday night, marred by an incident involving superstar Luka Doncic and a fan ejection. The already contentious matchup, fueled by the 2022 playoff series, boiled over in the third quarter when a Suns supporter directed a barb towards Doncic, yelling that he was tired and needed to hit the treadmill.

Suns Fan Ejected After Heckling Luka Doncic, Reigniting Rivalry

While Phoenix ultimately cruised to a 132-109 victory, the focus shifted to Doncic's role in the fan's removal. After pointing towards the heckler, who sported a Devin Booker jersey, the fan was escorted out just minutes later. However, Doncic disputed the narrative that the treadmill comment alone prompted the ejection.

"So it was the only time, that time he said something, the only time?" Doncic fired back in a tense exchange with a reporter. "Yeah, I was hearing the whole first half, right? You put out something that was just the only thing," he added, referencing a post on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Doncic clarified that he didn't initially seek the fan's ejection, respecting the fact that fans pay for their tickets. However, he reached his limit after enduring a torrent of abuse throughout the first half. "He was cursing me the whole first half, too," Doncic revealed. "But I had enough of him. It was a little bit of frustration."

This latest controversy adds another layer to Doncic's season, which has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also moments of frustration. Coach Jason Kidd expressed concern about his players' focus, referencing a technical foul Doncic received against the Celtics and another picked up against the Suns shortly after halftime.

Luka Doncic's Frustration Boils Over in Loss to Suns

"You could see Boston, he was running hot. And tonight he was running hot," Kidd said of Booker's 46-point performance. "We'll talk to him about it. He's a competitor. He likes to have discussions with the referees. But he has to be better."

Doncic's penchant for pushing the boundaries with officials isn't new. He's already accrued eight technicals this season, inching closer to the 16-technical limit that triggers a one-game suspension. While Kidd acknowledges improvements in Doncic's maturity and focus, he emphasizes the need for further control.

"He's human, but there's no excuse," Kidd stated. "We all have to be better."

This incident serves as a reminder of the emotional intensity that simmers beneath the surface of NBA rivalries. While the on-court battles are captivating, maintaining composure and professionalism remains crucial for players and fans alike. The Luka Doncic ejection episode underscores the importance of focusing on the game, minimizing distractions, and prioritizing sportsmanship within the heat of competition.

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