Mavs originally intended to tank in March but Doncic and Irving refused to sit

According to Kevin O’Connor of Fan Duel TV, the Dallas Mavericks originally intended to tank in March.

Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, who both refused to miss any games, opposed the choice.

“Dallas coaches gathered with players in late March to establish a strategy for Markieff Morris and Javale McGee to play more frequently.

When the club waved the white flag, O’Connor claims, “that’s when the tanking was supposed to start, but Luka and Kyrie were upset and both refused to sit.”

The Mavericks were fined $750K by the NBA for "conduct detrimental to the league"—aka tanking.

Here's what I know about Dallas' situation, who's to blame, and what needs to change to save the future of Luka Doncic.

Full episodes of Beyond The Arc every Tuesday on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/URmF0G0N5I

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 14, 2023

The NBA on Friday levied a $750,000 punishment on the Mavs for their tanking behavior and remarks during their contest against the Bulls on April 7.