Dallas Mavericks guard Khris Middleton was fined $25,000 for throwing his mouthpiece “in the direction of the spectator stands” at Kia Arena during Thursday’s 115-114 loss to the Orlando Magic, the NBA announced Saturday.
The incident occurred midway through the third quarter after Middleton was defended tightly by Jalen Suggs and lost the ball. He looked at the officials, presumably wanting a foul call, then tossed his mouthpiece toward the Mavericks’ bench.
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The object landed in front of a fan and slid toward a Dallas assistant coach, according to the Dallas Morning News. Middleton was then given a technical foul.
Middleton scored a game-high 19 points for Dallas, his second-best point total since going to the Mavericks in the blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.
The veteran forward opted to stay with Dallas soon thereafter, rather than be bought out of his contract. Though playoff contenders were reportedly interested in picking him up, including the Denver Nuggets. Middleton will become a free agent after the season, but co-interim general manager Michael Finley said the Mavericks would like to re-sign him, calling him “a consummate pro.”
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In 11 games with the Mavericks, Middleton is averaging 12.4 points and 4.3 rebounds and shooting 28% on 3-point attempts. Including his stint with the Wizards, Middleton has played 45 games this season, averaging 10.8 points, 4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 32% on 3s.
Middleton has played 14 NBA seasons, 12 of them with the Milwaukee Bucks. A three-time All-Star, he has a career scoring average of 16.3 points and 38% shooting from 3-point range. He was traded to the Wizards last season for Kyle Kuzma.
At 21-42, Dallas currently holds the 12th spot in the Western Conference, 8.5 games behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 10 seed and a berth in the NBA play-in tournament.
After Friday’s 120-100 loss to the Boston Celtics (with Jayson Tatum returning for Boston), the Mavericks continue their Eastern road trip Sunday versus the Toronto Raptors.