LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. Picture: Kevork DjansezianSource: Getty ImagesWith scores tied at 101-101, Lakers small forward Troy Brown Jr had a game-winning three attempt on the buzzer. It came up well short – but only after it appeared Tim Hardaway Jr had made contact with his shooting hand. No foul was called.
“It is what it is,” Brown Jr said of the no foul call to reporters post-game.
“At the end of the day, that’s where I stand on it. I’m not deciding … At the end of the day they’re human.
“I thought there was contact, they don’t call it. It is what it is. It’s not my job to ref.”
James at the end of the first overtime argued with the referee as he believed a foul should’ve been called against Christian Wood after the Lakers superstar’s game-winning reverse attempt got stopped at the rim. TNT commentators, though, believed James lost control of the ball and no foul was committed by Wood.
Minutes earlier, Westbrook was called for a flagrant foul after making contact with Doncic while on defence. As Westbrook hit the floor, Doncic regained his balance and had heated words with Westbrook, prompting teammates, coaches and referees to keep the two stars separated.
“The officials have been in the crosshairs all game,” commentator Brian Anderson said.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wasn’t happy with the lack of calls in Doncic’s favour, tweeting mid-game: “(Commentator) Stan Van Gundy is absolutely right. Worst officiated game. Luka gets no respect. Unreal.”
The Mavericks next travel to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers. while the Lakers host the 76ers.
