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Mavericks' Michael Finley Says Viral Luka Doncic Beer Clip Was a Branding Call

Finley says he briefly took the drink at the social team’s request to photograph Doncic with his father.

Overview

  • Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Dallas co–interim GM Michael Finley said the 2024 clip showed him removing a beer from Luka Doncic only so the team could capture a clean photo.
  • The incident occurred May 30, 2024, just after the Mavericks clinched the Western Conference Finals in Minnesota.
  • Finley said he returned the beer within minutes and that the locker-room celebration continued with champagne and beer available.
  • The video went viral at the time, and the lack of an early public explanation allowed it to be recast later as a slight against the star.
  • The clip resurfaced after Dallas traded Doncic to the Lakers in February 2025, and subsequent reporting noted front-office turnover later that year, with some reports saying Finley opposed the trade.