Luka Doncic arguing calls helps Mavericks win decisive challenge versus Celtics

The Dallas Mavericks completed a wild and impressive second-half comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics 95-92 at the TD Garden arena on March 13. They scored just 38 first-half points, and Luka Doncic was struggling with a hamstring cramp before the Mavs turned it on in the second half.

The game was tied at 92 in the final minute as Luka drove the ball into the paint. Boston’s defense collapsed, which left Spencer Dinwiddie wide open beyond the 3-point line. Doncic dished to Dinwiddie for the eventual game-winning score, but nine seconds remained on the clock after the make.

On the ensuing inbounds, Marcus Smart missed a 3-pointer for the Celtics, but Doncic was whistled for a foul. He immediately convinced Mavs head coach Jason Kidd to challenge the call as Luka knew his team would win. Even the ABC broadcasters believed it was a foul, but the call was overturned. Doncic let fans know how he knew in his postgame presser.

Luka Doncic arguing calls helped Dallas Mavericks defeat Boston Celtics

Luka was asked about the challenge following the game, and fans can see his quote below.

"I knew because the rule is after the shot if you touch his hand it is not a foul. That is what the refs always tell me, so I knew it was going to be a successful challenge."

He echoed something similar in his on-court interview with Cassidy Hubbarth after the game. Everybody gets frustrated with Doncic constantly arguing calls, but it paid off for Dallas on Sunday afternoon. The reversal caused a jump ball with 4.9 seconds left on the clock, and the Mavs up by three. Boston secured the possession, and Jayson Tatum missed the game-tying triple at the buzzer. Without the challenge, the Celtics could have tied the game in the final seconds and potentially won in overtime.

The Dallas Mavericks have won two straight and seven of their last eight after defeating the Celtics in Boston on March 13. They have three games left on their current road trip, and all three opponents are fighting for playoff positioning. The Mavs will be looking to stay hot down the stretch behind superstar Luka Doncic. Every game will be a cannot miss event, so please be sure to tune in and enjoy.