Was Luka Doncic Fouled? Analyzing the Controversial Play in Lakers vs. Nuggets (Feb 22, 2025)

 What Do You Think?

Do you believe Doncic was fouled on the play? Should NBA officiating improve its consistency?

Let us know your thoughts! 

 Introduction

The Los Angeles Lakers’ 123-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on February 22, 2025, was a defining moment for Luka Doncic. After struggling in his first few games with the Lakers, Doncic exploded for 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, helping snap the Nuggets’ nine-game winning streak.

However, one play in particular has sparked controversy. A YouTube short allegedly shows Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. fouling Doncic on a drive. While official reports do not confirm a foul call, the play has raised questions about NBA officiating and missed calls.

This article breaks down:

• The game’s context and key moments
• The disputed play and available evidence
• Foul statistics and official reports
• The impact of officiating on the game
• Doncic’s performance and its significance for the Lakers

 Game Overview: Lakers Snap Nuggets' Streak in Denver

This Lakers victory was significant for multiple reasons:

• Ending Denver’s dominance: The Nuggets had won nine straight games and had beaten the Lakers in 13 of their last 14 matchups at Ball Arena, including playoff games.
• Doncic’s best performance as a Laker: After being traded to the Lakers, he had averaged just 14.7 points per game in his first three appearances. Against Denver, he scored 16 points in the first quarter alone, ultimately finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
• Key player contributions:
  • LeBron James: 25 points
  • Austin Reaves: 23 points
  • Aaron Gordon (Denver): 24 points

The game’s physicality and inconsistent foul calls were widely noted by analysts, setting the stage for controversy over Doncic’s drive against Murray and Porter Jr.

 Breaking Down the Controversial Play

The User’s Claim

A YouTube short allegedly shows Doncic driving to the basket, where he is fouled by both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. but does not receive a foul call.

What Do the Reports Say?

• The Athletic:
  • "The dagger was splitting two defenders, Michael Porter Jr. and Murray, for a one-handed runner to push the Lakers’ lead to 20 points."
  • "On a drive against Jamal Murray for a floater, Luka Doncic shook his head in disbelief toward the Denver Nuggets bench."

 Key Takeaways:

• Doncic drove against both defenders and successfully scored.
• His frustration suggests he felt contact that was not called.
• No official report confirms a foul call on either player.

Can Two Players Be Called for a Foul on the Same Play?

• Unlikely: In the NBA, fouls are typically attributed to one defender, even if multiple players make contact.
• Possible scenario:
  • The foul was not called at all.
  • The foul was only attributed to one player, making it harder to verify in reports.

 Foul Statistics: What Do the Numbers Say?

To determine whether Murray or Porter Jr. were called for a foul on Doncic, we analyzed the game’s box score from Basketball-Reference:

 Findings:

• Neither player had a foul attributed to this specific play.
• No foul was recorded on Doncic for the entire game.
• If a foul occurred, it was either uncalled or attributed to only one player.

 The Game’s Physicality and Officiating

Referee Inconsistencies

• Reports described the game as extremely physical:
  • "Foul calls were all over the place." (Silver Screen and Roll)
• Doncic was frustrated with the officiating:
  • He received a technical foul earlier in the game for arguing a missed call.

Did the Referees Miss the Call?

? Likely, given the physical nature of the game.
 No official confirmation, as the foul was not recorded in the play-by-play report.

Social Media and Community Insights

• No major social media debates about this specific play.
• Reddit/X discussions focused more on Doncic’s breakout game rather than officiating.
• This suggests the missed call did not significantly impact the game’s outcome.

 Key Takeaways: Was Doncic Fouled?

 Was there contact?
? Yes—The Athletic describes Doncic driving through two defenders, and he reacted as if he was fouled.

 Was a foul called?
 No official record confirms a foul call on either Murray or Porter Jr.

 Could both defenders have been called for a foul?
? Unlikely—NBA rules typically attribute fouls to a single player.

 Why does this matter?

• Highlights Doncic’s ability to perform under pressure.
• Raises questions about NBA officiating and missed calls.
• Further cements Doncic’s role as a star for the Lakers.

 Conclusion: The Bigger Picture for Doncic and the Lakers

While evidence suggests Doncic was fouled, no official record supports this claim. The physical nature of the game and the referees’ inconsistency make it plausible that a foul was missed.

However, this moment did not overshadow the bigger story—Doncic’s first dominant performance with the Lakers. His 32-point explosion and the Lakers’ statement win in Denver suggest he is finally finding his rhythm in Los Angeles.

 What’s Next for Doncic and the Lakers?

• Can he maintain this elite level of play?
• Will the Lakers build momentum heading into the postseason?
• How will officiating impact high-profile games in the playoffs?