During Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Luka Doncic made headlines with a viral moment. In the third quarter, he appeared to direct a provocative remark towards Snoop Dogg, asking, “Who’s crying now, mother******?” However, Snoop later clarified on the WHOO’S House Podcast that the comment wasn’t aimed at him.
Snoop Dogg recounted his experience at the game, where he was sitting with his friend Jimmy Jam. A dedicated basketball fan, Snoop was eager to see Doncic play live for the first time and also to watch his friend Kyrie Irving in action. He explained that someone in the crowd had been heckling Doncic throughout the game, calling him a crybaby. When Doncic led the Mavericks to a commanding lead, he responded to the heckler with his now-famous retort. Snoop was impressed by Doncic’s tenacity and attitude, stating, “I became a fan of Luka that night.”
Doncic’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He tallied 36 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, leading the Mavericks to a decisive 124-103 victory, which secured their spot in the NBA Finals. This dominant display not only silenced the Timberwolves fans but also earned Doncic the Western Conference Finals MVP title.
Despite this high point, Doncic and the Mavericks faced significant challenges in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Falling behind 3-0 in the series, Doncic’s defensive struggles and frequent complaints drew criticism. Although a Game 4 victory provided a brief respite, the series looked bleak for the Mavericks.
In a candid reflection on what the team needed to do to turn the series around, Doncic emphasized the importance of collective effort and energy. As the Mavericks prepared for Game 5, he highlighted the critical role of his teammates’ performance, especially when playing away from home. Despite the daunting circumstances, Doncic’s determination and leadership continued to shine through.
