Doncic and Irving refused Mavericks tanking in March / News - Basketnews.com

In late March, Mavericks coaches had met with players to discuss a plan for Markieff Morris and JaVale McGee to play more minutes, but Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were unhappy with the idea and refused to sit out.

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The Dallas Mavericks had originally planned to hit the tank button at the end of March, according to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.

Points this season

48%114,2Points made:114,2Accuracy:47,5%Place in standings:16Record max:142Record min:87Best scorer:Luka DoncicTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

However, their backcourt stars -- Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving -- were unhappy with the idea of tanking and denied Mavs plans.

"The tanking was actually supposed to begin sooner," O'Connor said. "My sources say that in late March, Dallas coaches met with players to discuss a plan for Markieff Morris and JaVale McGee to play heavier minutes. That is when the tanking was supposed to begin but Luka and especially Kyrie were agitated that the team was waving the white flag and both refused to sit."

Mavericks ultimately tanked in the final few games of the season.

NBA fined Dallas $750,000 after the league opened an investigation into the Mavs' decision to rest several players before last Friday's home game against Chicago Bulls while still mathematically alive for a play-in spot.

NBA investigation concluded that Dallas violated player resting policy, and "demonstrated through actions and public statements the organization's desire to lose the game in order to improve the chances of keeping its first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft."

Mavericks finished the season in the 11th Western Conference spot.

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