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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) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

A Step In Time

Down one point with three seconds to go, the Golden State Warriors had one more chance to hold off the Cleveland comeback. After Steve Kerr called a timeout and drew up a play, the Warriors inbounded the ball to Kevin Durant on the wing to attempt a game-winning shot.

That game-winning shot came from the ground, as Durant was forced to launch a 34-foot rainbow from his butt after tripping and falling to the court.

For those who missed it live, video replay immediately showed Cleveland forward Richard Jefferson stepping on Kevin Durant’s foot, propelling the lanky forward to the ground.

The officials blew no whistles, and no foul was called. The moment where Kerr and the Warriors would have liked a video review, none would be forthcoming. And Durant was robbed of either a good look from the wing, or a pair of free throws to take the lead.

Once again the NBA’s last two-minute report showed up, and again the call that went against the Warriors was deemed to be incorrect. Jefferson’s foot interfered with Durant’s “SQBR” — his speed, quickness, balance, and rhythm — and thus a foul should have been called.

Not only was Durant robbed of his chance to win the game, and Golden State handed a loss they could have avoided, but the officials yet again took the spotlight on a stage that should have been reserved solely for the league’s two best teams.

Everyone hopes for the officials to get every call right every time, but that’s never going to happen. What the league needs to do is find a way for the officials to step out of the spotlight and allow the amazing feats of its stars take the forefront.

Whether that is eliminating the two-minute report, adding a fourth official, or adjusting their training process, the league is best served evaluating and changing to best serve its teams and the fans.

Holiday Reading: The 12 Days Of NBA Christmas

This is something the league has proven capable of in other areas, and they will be motivated to do the best in this one as well.

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