Any player can receive 16 technical fouls in a regular season before an automatic one-game suspension is assessed—every two technical fouls following reaching the limit results in an additional one-game suspension.

Doncic has averaged 34.5 points, 9.7 assists, and 8.9 rebounds in 53 games this season, shooting 49.6 percent from the floor, 38.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 78.4 percent on free throws.

With the Western Conference landscape’s competitiveness, the Mavs need Doncic for every game possible. He’s questionable about playing against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday as he manages ankle soreness.

The Mavs hold a 34-27 record after losing four of their last five games, ranking eighth in the Western Conference standings, ahead of the ninth and tenth-ranked Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers by 1.5 games entering Monday’s NBA action. As Dallas navigates recent struggles, Doncic emphasizes staying positive.

“I mean, it’s hard. When you lose games, it’s hard,” Doncic said. “In the NBA, you’ve got another game in one or two days, so you just have to bring that energy.”

When games become frustrating, technical fouls can become more prevalent, as has been the case for Doncic. After the loss against the Sixers, he conveyed the importance of maintaining a high level of mental and physical energy while setting the tone as a leader for the team.

“I think it’s a little bit of both, but just, like, the energy just has to be from the first second, minute of the game. I could do better, for sure. That’s on me. When I do it, people follow me, so I’ve got to do better, too,” Doncic said.