Cavs owner Dan Gilbert took subtle shot at refs on social media after Game 4 loss

May 21, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert speaks at a press conference introducing John Beilein as the head coach of the team at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Gilbert appears to have mastered the art of plausible deniability.

The Cleveland Cavaliers fell at home on Monday in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics by the final of 109-102. It was at least a rather valiant effort by the Cavs though as they kept the game very close throughout despite playing without starters Donovan Mitchell (calf strain) and Jarrett Allen (rib).

In a post to X after the game, the Cavs owner Gilbert commended his team for their effort … and also got in a subtle swipe at the officiating.

“Hey Cleveland… I thought our guys fought hard tonight, especially without two of our best players,” Gilbert wrote. “If there’s one thing we have learned, it’s that you have to work hard 24/7 (if you know what I mean) to win in this league. Let’s go get Game 5 and bring this back to Cleveland!”

Hey Cleveland… I thought our guys fought hard tonight, especially without two of our best players. If there’s one thing we have learned, it’s that you have to work hard 24/7 (if you know what I mean) to win in this league. Let’s go get Game 5 and bring this back to Cleveland!

— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) May 14, 2024

The “if you know what I mean” line drew attention from some eagle-eyed fans, who eventually figured out that Gilbert was referencing the major free-throw disparity in Game 4. The Celtics shot 24 foul shots during the contest compared to a meager seven for the Cavs. In that context, it is easy to spot the clever “24/7” metaphor that Gilbert was weaving.

Of course, Gilbert has done much pettier things in the past, including over the last year or so. But after what was potentially the last home game of the season for the Cavs, who are now staring at a 3-1 deficit as the series shifts back over to Boston, Gilbert was going to let his thoughts be known (in a way that likely won’t get him fined by the NBA).