What did Celtics owner say to Luka Doncic? Mavericks superstar has words for Wyc Grousbeck during NBA Finals
As a competitor, Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is wired differently than most.
Having played in front of ruthless crowds in his native Europe, Doncic is fueled by jeers and hostility. With Doncic and the Mavericks in Boston’s hostile environment for Games 1 and 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals, the 25-year-old’s competitive fire is on full display.
In the third quarter of Game 2, Doncic appeared to exchange words with a Celtics fan seated courtside. Upon a closer look, it wasn’t just any Celtics fan, it was franchise governor Wyc Grousbeck, who elicited a reaction from Doncic.
What did Grousbeck say to Doncic? Here’s what can be deduced from the interaction between Dallas’ superstar and Boston’s executive.
What did Wyc Grousbeck say to Luka Doncic?
After connecting on a turnaround jumper over Derrick White early in the third quarter, Doncic immediately turned his head toward Grousbeck and directed a message.
A highlight of the play shows the exact moment where the interaction began.
Luka Doncic goes to work in the post with the turnaround jumper!
DAL looks to even the series 1-1 with a Game 2 win on ABC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/BxvgXQDG5N
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2024
Before the exchange, Grousbeck made a technical foul sign toward Doncic, suggesting Dallas’ star should have been whistled for his interaction with the officials, according to Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s Andscape.
Spears added that Doncic’s message to Grousbeck resulted in laughter among nearby fans, suggesting the interaction was good-natured and Doncic may have been aware of who he was interacting with.
After the game, Doncic did not offer much on the exchange.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know who the Celtics owner is,” Doncic told reporters before declining to further discuss the exchange.
Doncic is undoubtedly motivated by these interactions, meaning Grousbeck might want to tread lightly when agitating the star, even if the exchanges are playful. If Doncic is able to put forth a herculean effort to lead Dallas past Boston, the motivation will have played a hand.
