Mavericks' bench decorum, explained: Why the NBA has levied multiple fines upon Dallas franchise

Gilbert McGregor

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Mavericks' bench decorum, explained: Why the NBA has levied multiple fines upon Dallas franchise image

The Mavericks reserves have garnered quite a reputation during the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

While Spencer Dinwiddie's scoring and Maxi Kleber's shooting have impacted happenings on the floor, it's been the off-court actions of players deeper in the rotation that has resulted in the NBA levying multiple fines on the Mavericks franchise.

MORE: Meet Theo Pinson, Mavericks' lead irritant and culture-setter from the bench

Since they were first fined on May 6, the Mavericks have been fined three times for "violating league rules regarding team bench decorum," with their most recent fine of $100,000 bringing the fine total up to $175,000.

Why has the NBA continued to discipline the Mavericks for their bench decorum? Take a look into Dallas' costly actions on the sideline.

Mavericks' bench decorum, explained: Why the NBA has levied fines upon Dallas franchise

Theo Pinson celebrates with other Mavericks players
(Getty Images)

If you tune into any Mavericks playoff game, you'll see multiple bench players standing essentially at all times.

While players standing on the sidelines is extremely common — especially during the playoffs — the NBA's fines come as a result of the Mavericks crossing the line, both literally and figuratively.

When the league first fined the Mavericks $25,000 during the Western Conference Semifinals, the official statement said that "on multiple occasions, several players and a member of the coaching staff stood away from Dallas' team bench and were on or encroaching upon the playing court during action."

Following Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, the Mavs were again fined, only this time it was $50,000 for a repeat offense of bench decorum violations, with the description of Game 7 infractions matching those from Game 2 earlier in the series.

The fines have not discouraged the Mavericks, who have continued the antics during the Western Conference Finals. After Game 2 of the series, the franchise drew a $100,000 fine "for continuing to violate league rules regarding bench decorum."

Per league rules, players must remain seated while the ball is in play unless they are spontaneously reacting to a notable play or getting up to check in at the scorer's table.

In addition to it being a safety issue, players standing can be a distraction to the opposition. In Game 2, inactive Mavericks two-way wing Theo Pinson, who was wearing the same color as the Warriors, baited Stephen Curry into committing a turnover by passing the ball to Dallas' bench.

The Pinson play drew the ire of Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who is one of a few individuals that have addressed Dallas' bench decorum in the series.

What has been said about the Mavericks' bench?

Steve Kerr

While Kerr was peeved by the activity that resulted in a turnover, he said he "loved the energy that they show," crediting them for being so connected as a unit, adding that it only becomes a problem when you interfere with the game.

Jason Kidd

After the franchise was docked $100,000, Kidd maintained that not much would change, adding that the bench can find a positive in knowing the money is going to charity.

Mark Cuban

In response to the latest fine, the Mavericks owner shared a series of sarcastic tweets, one of which included a video of the Nets bench dancing and another that showed a video of Draymond Green disputing a call.

Theo Pinson 

Like Cuban, Pinson took to Twitter to share a photo of he and his teammates cheering from the bench, along with photos from the Eastern Conference Finals that depict members of both the Celtics and Heat encroaching the court from the bench.

Who is on the Mavericks bench?

Outside of Dallas' rotational players, there are a number of players in the second unit that have made their presence felt with their connectivity, as described by Kerr.

Sterling Brown, the younger brother of Shannon, Brown can be spotted wearing his No. 0 jersey over his warm-up pants.

Marquese Chriss, a top 10 pick in 2016, Chriss landed in Dallas after spending part of last season with Golden State.

Trey Burke, a top 10 pick in 2013, Burke rejoined the Mavs as a replacement player in the bubble. He's in the third season of his second stint with Dallas.

Josh Green, a first-rounder in 2021, the Australian is in his second season with the Mavericks.

Tim Hardaway Jr., normally a rotation player, Hardaway has been sidelined since undergoing foot surgery in February.

Boban Marjanovic, the league's tallest player, the 7-foot-3 Marjanovic is in his third year with the Mavericks.

Theo Pinson, a culture-changer that is on a two-way contract, making him ineligible for playoff action.

Moses Wright, the former ACC Player of the Year is a rookie that fills Dallas' other two-way slot.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.