Dallas Mavericks are lucky Kristaps Porzingis avoided a suspension

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the LA Clippers 113-103 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on May 22. It was a massive victory keyed by a 31-point triple-double from Luka Doncic. The Mavs have the early advantage, but there is much work to be done to pull the series upset.

The NBA fined Kristaps Porzingis $50,000 on Tuesday evening for attending a club on Sunday, May 23. It was a hefty hit to KP’s wallet, but he and the team were lucky he avoided suspension or a mandatory quarantine.

Here is a closer look at why Kristaps Porzingis is fortunate he avoided a spell on the sidelines during their first-round series against the LA Clippers.

Dallas Mavericks are lucky Kristaps Porzingis avoided a suspension

Remember James Harden visited a club when he was with the Houston Rockets back in December. The NBA fined him $50,000 and forced him to quarantine for four days. The same punishment would have knocked Porzingis out for Game 2 and Game 3 of their first-round series against the LA Clippers.

Lou Williams had to quarantine for ten days after visiting a club on his way back to last season’s bubble in Walt Disney World. That penalty would have knocked Porzingis out for the next four games and given the LA Clippers a massive advantage in the series.

Yes, it was an off day for the Dallas Mavericks, but the Unicorn must be smarter going forward. Dallas cannot afford him risking a suspension by visiting clubs on off days during the playoffs. He avoided a quarantine and spell on the sidelines this time, but he may not be so lucky if KP becomes a repeat offender.

The Mavs need Porzingis healthy and on the floor right now. He is their second most important player. The Clippers have no counter for the Unicorn’s size and versatility. KP struggled in Game 1, but he drew the matchup versus Kawhi Leonard and put a cap on the win with a late dunk. The Unicorn is a matchup nightmare that Dallas needs to make a deep playoff run. They have no chance of upsetting the Clippers if Porzingis has to sit.

Hopefully, the fine is enough to deter Kristaps Porzingis from visiting clubs until the playoffs are over. The Dallas Mavericks were fortunate he avoided a suspension or quarantine. They need him on the floor. KP might not be so fortunate if it happens again, so it is a situation is something to monitor going forward.

The Smoking Cuban will have everything Dallas Mavericks fans crave on their first-round series versus the LA Clippers, so be sure to check back daily for all the latest.