Luka Doncic saluted "team player" P.J. Washington following his confrontation with Russell Westbrook during the Dallas Mavericks' victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. (More Basketball News)
The Mavericksℱ prevailed 101-90 in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round series, with Doncic falling just shy of a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
♏Although, it was a feisty affair at the American Airlines Center, where Washington and Westbrook were both ejected after an altercation following the latter's foul and shove on Doncic.
The five-time NBA🎃 All-Star was grateful for Washington's support and intervention, paying tribute to his team-mate.
ℱ"The things he does, he's a team player," Doncic said. "He helps all of us. I'm just really happy we've got him on our team.
💛"I'm used to [getting subjected to extra physicality. I just try to stay calm and keep playing basketball."
Mavericks coach Jason Kiddꩲ was also pleased by the togetherness demonstrated by his players with emotions running high.
🍸"We're all competing for each inch to try to win," he said. "This series is going to be more mental as it goes on, just because of the physicality.
⭕"It's very physical, but the mental aspect of this series, we have to be sharp and we have to understand what's taking place. I thought the guys did a great job of protecting one another."
