DALLAS -- Luka Doncic downplayed the fracas that started with Utah Jazz backup center Hassan Whiteside's hard foul on him as "nothing" but typical playoff tension, but the Dallas Mavericks' superstar appreciated his teammates' rushing to protect him.
The incident occurred on Doncic's dunk attempt with 5:33 remaining in the Mavs' 102-77 win in Monday's pivotal Game 5.
After Doncic crashed to the floor, Whiteside stood over him. Dallas forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock ran toward the baseline to confront the 7-foot, 265-pound center and exchanged shoves with him.