Erik Spoelstra called out the officiating after his Miami Heat lost a tight one against the Golden State Warriors 120-118 on Sunday night.
Spoelstra, who rarely talks about the referees, began talking about the free throw disparity and blown calls by the officials when meeting with the media.
"The officials, so let's be clear about it, so I do not get fined, that's not why we lost. But you hate to see 26 to 8 when our guys are going aggressively." https://t.co/WkdvRKEWBz
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) February 11, 2019
One of the plays Spoelstra cited was this double dribble by Kevin Durant with the game tied at 118 and under 10 seconds left. Rather than the ball going to Miami as it should have, Durant missed his three and DeMarcus Cousins got the rebound and was fouled. Cousins made both free throws to give the Warriors their 2-point lead, solidifying the game.
It looks like Durant got away with a double dribble here… pic.twitter.com/xp4UKWNX8v
— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) February 11, 2019
Spoelstra was sure to clarify that the officials were not the reason they lost and said he did not want to be fined, but he still got his point across. Between the missed double dribble call and the 26-8 difference in free throws, he had every right to be upset.
