Former NBA player JJ Redick is calling out the officiating in the first-round playoff series between the Warriors and Kings.
On Wednesday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Redick said whistles have favored Sacramento over Golden State, adding that referees need to “call the game the way the game is supposed to be called.”
“The referees have dictated too much in the Kings’ favor in the series,” Redick said. “I really believe that, and I don’t know if it’s the home crowd or whatever. I rarely complain about the referees. In fact, I don’t know if I’ve ever complained about the referees.”
The Kings lead the Warriors 2-0 – the first time Stephen Curry has ever trailed two games in a playoff series – as the series shifts to San Francisco. Golden State will be without defensive leader Draymond Green, who was suspended one game without pay for stomping on Kings’ Domantas Sabonis’ chest in Game 2. He will serve his suspension in Game 3.
PUNISHMENT: NBA suspends Draymond Green for stomping on Kings’ Sabonis
WHY? NBA explains why league suspended Green for stomp, didn’t punish Sabonis
Redick said although he wasn’t surprised that Green got suspended, he “completely disagrees” with the suspension because the Kings “spent two games trying to bait (Green).” Redick cited several examples of Sabonis trying to goad Green into a foul, including him pulling down Green and wrapping his arms around his chest to prevent Green from running down the court in Game 1.
“This was, I believe, part of the strategy,” Redick said. “I’m not saying Sabonis is a dirty player, but there’s some dirty plays here… For the league to acknowledge that Draymond served a punishment — he got ejected, which I believe he should have been ejected, and I’m not condoning what he did — he served his punishment.”
Redick said the Warriors can come back in the series if the game is called fairly.
“(The officials) have allowed too much in this series,” Redick said. “I have no problem with physical play in the playoffs. But if Steph Curry is not allowed to move off the ball…if you’re preventing players from running down the court and…
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