It’s only game one, but things are already getting a bit heated for the Mavs and Clippers. After a hard-fought, exciting first half of action, fans were looking forward to watching these two teams battle it out again for the final 24 minutes.
Instead, onlookers were treated to the ejection of Kristaps Porzingis after he picked up his second tech in the third quarter, the first of which came earlier after KP argued about a call he felt should’ve gone his way.
Skip,
That was a block. pic.twitter.com/SfwAAqmw8o
— Sincerely, KhalidCavsStan (@KhalidCavsStan) August 18, 2020
Free KP pic.twitter.com/g3vePVHX6u
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 18, 2020
In case you haven’t guessed, both technicals were questionable calls, at best, and KP’s ejection was followed by some pretty emotional reactions online.
How u toss Porzingis though?
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) August 18, 2020
They really ejected Porzingis in a PLAYOFF GAME for that?
That. Is. Horrible.
— Hoops Provider (@HoopsProvider_) August 18, 2020
Among those with objections to the ejection were LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki, who both made their feelings known publicly.
Man that was BOGUS AS HELL MAN!!!!! Cmon man. 🤦🏾♂️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 18, 2020
That ejection is super soft…
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) August 18, 2020
People are legitimately outraged over the call, and they have every right to be. In a high-stakes environment like the NBA playoffs, players are going to get charged up and emotions are going to run high.
The NBA has to let these guys play, or risk ruining the experience for the teams and their loyal fans.
