‘Unbelievable’: Luka Doncic Ejected Following ‘Outrageous’ Referee Decision in Defeat to OKC

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stunning performance with 42 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 136-120 after Luka Doncic received an ejection.

Doncic managed to score 23 points before his departure in the fourth quarter, following his second technical foul.

A moment of apparent miscommunication occurred when Doncic scored a basket, subsequently turning towards the crowd and appearing to shout at a spectator.

However, the referee interpreted Doncic’s remarks as being aimed at him and issued a second technical foul, necessitating his exit from the game.

Despite Doncic and his teammates expressing their frustration with the decision, the Thunder dominated the final minutes, outscoring the Lakers 29-12 to clinch the victory.

A fan who felt the brunt of Doncic’s comments told ESPN that the Lakers star made an insult aimed directly at him, but the referee had a differing interpretation.

Jalen Williams contributed 26 points for the Thunder, who managed to bounce back after suffering a 126-99 defeat to the Lakers just days earlier.

With this victory, Oklahoma City (65-14) is closing in on securing the top spot in the league standings as well as home-court advantage during the playoffs. They hold a two-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers with just three matches left in the season. The team has also set a franchise record for wins in a single season, surpassing the previous record held by the 1995-96 Seattle team that finished 64-18.

For the Lakers, LeBron James scored 28 points and Austin Reaves added 24.

Los Angeles will be heading to Dallas on Thursday for Doncic’s first encounter against the Mavericks since his trade to the Lakers for Anthony Davis back in February.

At halftime, the Thunder led 80-72, having shot an impressive 64.7 percent from the field—tying for the fourth-highest scoring half in Oklahoma City’s history.

After regrouping, the Lakers fought back, with Doncic hitting a long-range three-pointer that gave them an 88-86 advantage with roughly five minutes remaining in the third quarter. They carried a narrow 98-97 lead into the final quarter.