The NBA announced Saturday that 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.
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 in the blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.
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Middleton, 34, soon thereafter opted to stay with Dallas rather 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, but co-interim general manager Michael Finley said the Mavericks would like to re-sign him, calling him “a consummate pro.”
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.
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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 on Sunday versus the Toronto Raptors.