On Luka and technical fouls, his 'insane' pass in victory, and Jason Kidd whispering through interviews

"Probably one of the best passes I’ve made," Doncic said after the Mavs handled the shorthanded Pacers. A game he nearly had to sit out.

Star power draws and the Pacers saw that once again Monday night with the Dallas Mavericks in town.

No, I’m not talking about owner Mark Cuban, whose connection with this state is meaningful because he attended Indiana University, remains a big fan and supporter of the athletics program and broadcasting center.

The Mavs are down this season, but they reached the Western Conference Finals last season and are led by Luka Doncic, one of the best in The Association. Kyrie Irving is there, too, but it adds intrigue and questions more than anything.

The Pacers (33-43) nearly recorded their seventh sellout of the season in their 127-104 loss at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Three Pacers starters were out — Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Myles Turner —  along with guard Chris Duarte.

But at least fans in attendance and watching nationally on NBA TV were able to watch Doncic play after all. Because that wasn’t the expectation until a 1:15 p.m. ET update from the league office announcing that his technical foul from the night before had been rescinded. That was important, more than just the just the additional $5,000 hit to his wallet.

A player's 16th in a season results in an automatic suspension, keeping him sidelined for one game and costing him a game check. And for Doncic, that’s not cheap. About $255,000.

After the game, Doncic shared that he found out he was eligible to play shortly before their team meeting, presumably late morning.

“I let me frustration go a little bit more than I’m supposed to on the court,” he said. “I will just focus now on getting wins and helping my teammates because we need wins.”