TNT announcer Reggie Miller did not let the referees off lightly for an apparent mistake they made Saturday during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets led the T-Wolves 33-30 midway through the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo.
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards got whacked by Nuggets wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a drive. The referees swallowed their whistles as the play unfolded.
Miller called the officials out a minute later when the TNT broadcast showed a replay of the non-call.
“How can you not see or call that?! I mean this is so blatant! See, this is what’s frustrating. We’re supposed to be at the highest level in the playoffs, second round. You can’t miss calls like that! I’m sorry, you can’t miss calls!” said Miller.
"How can you not see or call that?! I mean, this is so blatant! See, this is what's frustrating. We're supposed to be at the highest level, in the (NBA) Playoffs, Second Round, you can't miss calls like that! I'm sorry! You can't miss calls!" – Reggie Miller 🏀🦓🎙️ pic.twitter.com/5XdXX39sS4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 5, 2024
Caldwell-Pope appeared to get all arm and zero ball on his swipe on Edwards. The Timberwolves guard could do nothing but raise his arms in disbelief over the missed call.
Timberwolves-Nuggets is seen by many as the marquee series of the NBA playoffs’ second round. Miller simply wants the level of officiating to match the quality of play expected in the series.
