The NBA announced today that they will be investigating the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to sit key players during a crucial game against the Chicago Bulls. The Mavericks ultimately lost the game, which led to them missing the playoffs.

Many fans and analysts immediately questioned the Mavericks’ decision to rest Kyrie Irving and four other key players, suggesting that they may have been intentionally tanking to secure a better draft pick.

The NBA’s investigation will look into whether there was any collusion or coordination between the Mavericks and players to intentionally lose the game. If found guilty, the team could face fines and other penalties.

Mavericks coach Kyle Rees issued a statement defending the team’s decision, saying that they were simply prioritizing the long-term health and well-being of their players.

“We made a decision that we felt was in the best interest of our team and our players,” he said. “We stand by that decision and look forward to cooperating fully with the NBA’s investigation.”

The investigation comes just days after the NBA fined Mavericks owner Mark Cuban $50,000 for criticizing league officials on social media.

Many fans and analysts have criticized the NBA for allowing teams to rest key players during important games. The league has implemented rules to try to prevent teams from intentionally losing games, but some critics say that those rules are not enforced strongly enough.

The Mavericks’ decision to rest key players has also ignited a broader debate about the ethics of tanking in professional sports. Some argue that tanking is a legitimate strategy for teams looking to rebuild, while others say that it undermines the integrity of the game and disrespects fans who pay money to see their favorite teams compete.