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Golden State Warriors: Christmas Loss Highlights NBA’s Officiating Issues

By Josh Cornelissen

Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) defended by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) defended by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) defended by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) defended by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The Golden State Warriors narrowly lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day, in a game where multiple officiating mistakes were highlighted on the NBA’s biggest stage.

After an NBA Finals where the Golden State Warriors gave up a 3-1 series lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers, no one could call a Cavaliers win on Christmas Day a surprise. While the Warriors were favored, the Cavaliers are an elite team that has found weaknesses in the Golden State armor.

The script was similar to June’s as well, with LeBron uncorking a few defensive highlights before a huge shot by Kyrie Irving put Cleveland ahead in the final seconds. The one-point win for the Cavaliers were indicative of a tight, hard-fought game.

While there is plenty to say about the brilliance of Cleveland’s fourth-quarter comeback, and the Warriors’ issues with late-game offense, their Christmas showdown has been overshadowed in part by the third team on the court with them: the NBA officials.

While teams and their fans will always bemoan a call that didn’t go their way, a number of actions late in Sunday’s game brought the officials to the forefront of the story, a place the league never wants them to be.

Related Story: 25 Best Players To Play For The Golden State Warriors

Three incidents in particular stood out in the final two minutes, each with its own set of problems.

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