Sometimes the president’s role extends to preventing fights from escalating. That’s what Luka Doncic‘s father had to do over the weekend. He stopped a former nine-year NBA veteran and current Ilirija star at the very last moment. With a place in the Slovenian Basketball League finals at stake to face Cedevita Olimpija, the NBA’s gentle giant, Boban Marjanovic, got upset, and multiple people had to block him.

In the fourth quarter, with 6:06 remaining, Marjanovic got ejected after committing a hard foul on an opponent. Before he exited, though, tempers were flaring since the scoreboard was not in favor of Ilirija. Marjanovic’s team was down 83-63, and he tried to close the gap. He was double-teamed and went to the ground, but the foul was never called…

Taking exception to the hit, the 7-feet-4 star ran back and ran straight into Krka’s Blaz Mahkovic. Then, as Mahkovic was down, Marjanovic started arguing, standing right beside him, and would then clash with other players on the court. The Krka fans were celebrating to the former NBA star’s frustration. But after receiving his marching orders from the hardwood, something made Marjanovic angrier.

The fans at Leon Stukelj Hall in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, taunted him with their chants and celebrations, and Marjanovic started pointing at them. Some words were exchanged, and it seemed he would take matters into his own hands, ready to cross the barricade and attack the supporters. For now, the reason for his outburst remains unknown. But Luka Doncic’s father was present at the scene and tried to talk some sense into the 37-year-old. Ilirija club legend and current president Sasa Doncic had to step in, and he held both of Marjanovic’s hands against the barricades to avoid any dust-up.

The video shows Luka’s father constantly saying something in Marjanovic’s ear to calm him down. The former NBA player finished the game with a double-double, recording 12 points and 15 rebounds, as his season came to an end. With his ejection, the task for the comeback was even more difficult as Ilirija lost Game 3 of the semifinals 97-74.

Luka Doncic was a bystander when Boban Marjanovic was ready to throw hands last time

In December, when the 37-year-old signed with Ilirija, he was returning to the ABA League after a decade. His previous stint was in 2015 with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. Then, multiple tenures with NBA teams, including three years (2019-2022) as teammates with Luka Doncic. The usual gentle giant got frustrated in the conference semifinals game against the top-rated Suns. It was an upset in their favor in Game 7, but right at the end, Bobi lost his cool.

The Western Conference Semifinals were about to be over with a scoreline of 123-90. But then Aaron Holiday stole the ball and converted a three-pointer, which is against the unspoken rules. Naturally, Marjanovic was irate and charged towards Holiday. After a little pushing and shoving, the assistant coaches took him back. Luka Doncic was on the bench at the time and was quick to stop the opposing Suns player from escalating it further.

It was Luka then, and now his father, Sasa, who has also developed a close friendship with Marjanovic. It was reported to be one of the reasons why Ilirija actually recruited the former NBA star in the first place.