Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers in their narrow 105-104 win over the Orlando Magic on Saturday. The Slovenian guard recorded 33 points on 12-of-30 shooting, along with five rebounds, eight assists, four steals and one block.
Austin Reaves tallied 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Meanwhile, Luke Kennard, who drained the game-winner for the Purple and Gold, had 13 points on 3-of-4 shooting from deep.
While it was definitely a thrilling win for L.A., who extended its winning streak to nine games, it wasn't without any issues. Doncic was actually called for a technical foul in the third quarter of the contest after his heated exchange with Magic big man Goga Bitadze.
It was Doncic's 16th technical foul of the season, which warranted an automatic one-game suspension.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After the game, Doncic claimed that Bitadze said something inappropriate about his family, prompting him to respond. Bitadze, however, denied the claim and said it was Doncic who started it.
The Lakers then revealed their plan to appeal the call in order to help Doncic avoid suspension.
On Sunday, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the NBA rescinded the technical foul on Doncic, bringing his tech count back to 15. With that said, he's now available to play on Monday against the Detroit Pistons.
Several NBA fans are happy that Doncic didn't get suspended, with one writing, "Finally rightfully deserved!! LETS GO LUKA."
A supporter added, "The one good decision made by the NBA."
"Rare W from the NBA," a follower shared.
Others, however, were critical of the decision and claimed that the technical foul wouldn't have been rescinded if it was any other team.
"Adam Silver wasn’t letting that [expletive] happen he need Lakers to win their 10th in a row tomorrow. His Ratings on [fire]," a commenter wrote. Another one said, "Only doing this cause he is on the Lakers."
Even renowned sports commentator Skip Bayless criticized the decision, saying, "Luka's tech rescinded? Ridiculous. He obviously started it with Goga, Goga responded in kind, then Luka escalated it all the way back up the floor. But the NBA obviously doesn't want to lose its biggest ratings draw and gate attraction ... who gets away with arguing every call."
