Players have always complained about officiating in NBA games, but it has taken another level this season. With the new rules, referees are allowing a lot more physicality.
New York Knicks Julius Randle was animated about not getting calls in the game against the Brooklyn Nets and got T’d up for his protests. The technical free-throw did a lot in helping the Nets secure the victory, and Shaquille O’Neal had some words of advice for the big man post-game.
The Mavericks’ Luka Doncic has often shown his disdain for not getting calls and has, once again, shown his frustration on the court. The consistency has finally drawn a reaction from the Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, stating that Luka will need to continue with the game as the referees will not overturn their decision.
Speaking about it post-game, Kidd said (from 1:55):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR5Nk4FMEuQ
“I would lean toward playing 5-on-5 a bit more. You’re not going to get any calls. Officials, they tend to not stop the game to change calls. You have to understand there’s a point in time in games — dead balls — to be able to talk to officials.”
“While the game is going on, transition defense is one of the things we’ve talked about that we have to get better. If we’re lobbying for calls during live play, it puts us in harm’s way. I think we gave up 25 spare points to a team we held to six. Just some things have got to be a little bit more important. I think we’re going to get better at understanding as a team when to talk to officials. Not just Luka.”
Doncic has gotten a lot of technical fouls because of how much he questions the referee’s decisions. After the 107-91 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, who are still missing Zion Williamson, Luka agreed with his coach on not letting his frustrations get the better of him during live play.
According to ESPN Staff Writer Tim MacMahon, Luka said:
“J. Kidd, he’s got a point. I’ve got to stop doing that.”
When asked to talk more on his issues with the officials, he said:
“I think you guys can see it. I’ll leave it there.”
Doncic had a poor shooting night, registering 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 7-of-20 (35%) from the field. With nothing dropping from the field, you could see why Luka was extra determined to get the calls he believed he deserved. Regardless, he made nine trips to the free-throw line and made seven of them.
