The Golden State Warriors found themselves frustrated as they faced off against the Denver Nuggets, particularly when it came to Nikola Jokic’s ability to draw fouls and earn free throws. Jokic set a new career-high by making 18 consecutive free throws, setting an NBA record for the most makes without a miss on Christmas Day. The Warriors, while acknowledging Jokic’s skill and the physicality of the game, expressed their displeasure with the officiating and the way fouls have been called leaguewide.
Steve Kerr’s Critique: Defense Out of the Game
Warriors coach Steve Kerr voiced his concerns and criticized the current state of fouling in the game. He argued that the defense is being legislated out of the game, enabling players to manipulate the system and earn free throws through questionable calls. Kerr expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating, claiming that it’s turning the game into a spectacle and reducing the quality of play on the court. He believes that players have become more adept at baiting referees, taking advantage of the leniency given to them.
The Whistle-Baiting Phenomenon
Jokic himself denied actively trying to sell a call but emphasized the importance of staying aggressive and hoping for the whistle. However, Warriors guard Stephen Curry acknowledged the reality that players who can sell calls often benefit from the inconsistency in officiating. Curry argued that consistency is key when it comes to understanding how to defend and that physicality should be leveraged by players on both teams, without favoritism.
Nuggets guard Jamal Murray defended Jokic’s approach, stating that as long as a player is genuinely “selling” a call rather than flopping, there should be no issue. Murray even suggested that Jokic should be granted even more calls considering his impact on the game and his lower-than-usual free throw attempts. Jokic’s presence at the foul line proved crucial for the Nuggets, opening up opportunities and propelling him to score 26 points despite struggling with his field goal shooting.
The Nuggets have been struggling with their free throw shooting throughout the season, ranking last in free throw rate at 73%. Jokic attributed this to the team’s lack of aggression in working their way into the paint. He noted that even in transition, the team tends to opt for three-point shots instead of attacking the rim, limiting their chances of drawing fouls. However, in their matchup against the Warriors, the Nuggets were able to take advantage of early bonus situations to earn numerous trips to the free-throw line.
Denver’s ability to draw fouls and shoot free throws disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm and allowed the Nuggets to control the game. The Nuggets shot 32 free throws compared to the Warriors’ 23, repeatedly stopping the clock and setting up their defense. Denver’s defensive effort paid off as they successfully limited Stephen Curry to 18 points and Klay Thompson to just nine points. Additionally, the Nuggets capitalized on fast-break opportunities, scoring 20 points in transition compared to Golden State’s eight. This newfound aggression and focus on drawing fouls led to a significant shift in the game’s dynamics.
The Warriors’ frustration with Jokic’s ability to draw fouls and the impact of those calls showcased the ongoing controversy surrounding fouling in the NBA. While some argue that players who can effectively sell calls deserve the benefit, others believe that the game should prioritize consistent officiating and a level playing field. The outcome of the Warriors vs. Nuggets game highlights the influence that fouls can have, shaping the game and providing opportunities for teams to control the outcome. As the league continues to evolve, finding a balance between physicality, fairness, and quality of play remains a contentious topic.
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