Dallas Mavericks guard Khris Middletonwas fined $25,000for throwing his mouthpiece "in the direction of the spectator stands" at Kia Arena duringThursday's 115-114 lossto the Orlando Magic, the NBA announced Saturday.
When exactly the incident occurred or what may have provoked Middleton's actions was not reported. Middleton scored a game-high 19 points for Dallas, his second-best point total since going to the Mavericks inthe blockbuster dealthat sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.
Middleton, 34, soon thereafteropted to stay with Dallasrather than be bought out of his contract, despite reported interest from playoff contenders, including the Denver Nuggets. He will become a free agent after the season, butco-interim general manager Michael Finley saidthe Mavericks would like to re-sign him, calling him "a consummate pro."
Advertisement
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2026 MLB season]
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 wastraded to the Wizards last seasonfor Kyle Kuzma.
At 21-42, Dallas currently holdsthe 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.
AfterFriday's 120-100 lossto the Boston Celtics (withJayson Tatum returning for Boston), the Mavericks continue their Eastern road trip Sunday versus the Toronto Raptors.