National Basketball Association

Mark Cuban says Mavericks tried to lose after they were eliminated from playoffs

Published May. 17, 2017 12:43 p.m. ET

Dan Graf

NBA fans are well aware that teams tank to improve their draft lottery position, but it’s a rare moment when they openly admit to it.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban did exactly that on Wednesday’s “Dan Patrick Show.”

“Once we were eliminated from the playoffs, we did everything we could to lose games,” said Cuban, who then explained how his team did it.

“You play all your young players.”

“Once a guy walks on the court, they’re going to play their heart out. Particularly the young guys because they have something to prove. Dorian Finney-Smith, Yogi Ferrell, there’s nothing you could say or do to them to say. ‘Don’t play hard or try to lose this game.’ That wouldn’t be right, and I don’t think any NBA team would ever do that.”