It’s a bad look for James Harden, after a game where he took 15 free throws, to say he wasn’t getting favorable whistles. It’s counterproductive for the NBA to say there were three uncalled fouls against LeBron James in the waning moments of a Finals rematch. It’s troubling that referees are too often part of the postgame story.
This is Christmas week, an unofficial start date of the NBA season for casual fans who shift their focus from football to basketball.
Referees have been in the news plenty this season, especially this week. No one wants that.