Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry blast ‘disgusting’ officiating after Nikola Jokić hits 18 FTs in Warriors’ loss to Nuggets

Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry blast ‘disgusting’ officiating after Nikola Jokić hits 18 FTs in Warriors’ loss to Nuggets

It was Christmas and Steve Kerr was tired. Stephen Curry was also.

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 120–114.

In the process, they witnessed Nikola Jokić make and miss eighteen free shots.

The Warriors only made 23 free throws as a team,

while the Nuggets made 32.

Kerr took this personally and utilised the opportunity to vent

his frustrations about the shortcomings of NBA officiating.

The Warriors coach was careful to make it clear that he was critiquing

the officials’ refereeing style rather than any one person or group.

“I don’t have an issue with the officials themselves,” Kerr said to reporters following the match.

“We have excellent officials throughout the league.

The way we are legislating defence out of the game bothers me.

In the NBA, that is what we are doing.

We’re basically giving players the opportunity to BS their way to the foul line with the way we’re training referees.”

Kerr did not call any particular fouls. Rather, he criticised the whole second half of the match.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to watch that game’s second half if I were a fan,” Kerr went on.

“It was repulsive. It was all a ruse to get referees to call.

However, because it is how they are trained, referees must make those decisions.”

During the game, Kerr and Curry seemed to be bothered by a specific call.

With 5:04 left in the game and the Nuggets up 104-103,

Curry was penalised for an offensive foul on Jokić.

Jokić turned on Curry as he ran off a ball screen and went past the 3-point line.

Curry then pushed off Jokić and took a stride back to attempt a three-pointer from the wing.

Jokić closed the deal.

A minor shove from the 185-pound Curry caused the 284-pound centre to stumble back towards the hoop;

he then raised his hands in frustration.

When there was an offensive foul,

an official blew the whistle.

Curry objected right away, and Kerr grinned and shook his head on the sidelines.

It was a light touch. However, the foul is evident.

Curry fully extended his arm to open up the space needed for a jump shot.

Once more, Jokić made the sale.

Curry remarked of officiating, “It does cater to the guys that can sell calls.”

Physicality is difficult since it might be erratic on both sides at different times.

Just curious about the game’s tone.

“It varies from game to game.

That’s just how basketball works.

However, on a night like this one,

when it seems like there’s brutality on one side and ticky-tack on the other,

the game’s intricacy alters when they enter the bonus.”

Curry went on to mention Jokić in particular.

Curry went on, “It slowed the whole game down tonight.”

“He obviously made all of his free throws.

The momentum was altered. facilitated their gains.”

For Golden State, things aren’t going well overall.

After a season and a half since winning the 2022 championship,

the Warriors are currently 15-15 and ranked 10th in the West.

Draymond Green’s disruption is still an issue for them;

he was suspended once more for punching a rival player.

They now believe that the proceedings are not being conducted fairly.

Additionally, Kerr is advocating for modifications to the game’s rules.

Kerr went on, “The players in this league are really smart.”

“Over the past ten or so years, they have become increasingly intelligent.

The gamers are making the most of the fact that we have given them access.

Watching this procession to the free-throw line was repulsive.

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