Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry was not happy with the match officials after their 120-114 loss against reigning champions Denver Nuggets on Christmas Day. Curry feels the officiating was not balanced and the Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic took full advantage.
Jokic ended the game taking, and making, 18 free throws and thus Dubs head coach Steve Kerr was also not happy with the way fouling has been refereed in the NBA. Kerr admitted he wouldn’t be happy as a fan watching the game as there were too many free throws.
“I have a problem with how we are legislating the defense out of the game,” Kerr said. “We are enabling players to B.S. their way to the foul line. If I were a fan, I wouldn’t have wanted to watch the second half of that game. It was disgusting. It was just baiting refs into calls, but the refs have to make those calls … the players are really smart in this league. For the last decade, they’ve gotten smarter and smarter. We have enabled the players, and they are taking full advantage.
“It’s a parade to the free throw line, and it’s disgusting to watch.”
Curry reckons there should be consistency in referees’ decisions as the players are taking advantage as per the physicality rules.
“It does cater to the guys who can sell calls. There is physicality. But it’s tough because it is inconsistent, at times, on either side,” Curry said. “On a night like tonight, when you feel there is physicality on one side and then ticky-tack on the other, it changes the complexity of the game. I’m not saying we don’t foul, but consistency is key when understanding how you can defend.”
On the other hand, Jokic, who led Nuggets to championship in the last season, said he was trying to play in an aggressive manner and get the job done for his team.
“I was missing shots, so I was just trying to be aggressive in another way, maybe play a little more physical” Jokic told ESPN. “It just happened to be that kind of night. This is the most I’ve ever had.”
Steph Curry could only score 18 points whereas in-form Klay Thompson had nine points. The Golden State Warriors will next take on the Miami Heat on Thursday.
