The refs missed Kristaps Porzingis’ postseason debut and an exciting NBA playoff game with two dubious calls on Tuesday night.
Porzingis was suspended from Game 1 of the Clippers-Mavericks series after a brief altercation with Los Angeles frontman Marcus Morris, which allowed the referees to give the Latvian star his second technical of the night.
Dallas led 71-66 with 9:10 in the third when Luka Doncic was called up to palm the ball. Morris was too eager to catch the ball and calmed Doncic, who tried to clear his way. Porzingis came over and he and tried to strangle Morris, who responded with a push. Referees ruled previous Knicks technical violations.
The Clippers predicted a 118-110 win.
‘I saw him come in Luka’s face and I did not like that. That’s why I responded. Porzingis, who scored 14 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes. ‘That’s a smart, clever thing to do with her. I just had to be worse and control my emotions, especially at first. ‘
The decision drew the ire of those on social media, including LeBron James and Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki.
“Man that was BOGUS AS HELL MAN !!!!! Cmon man, ”wrote the Lakers star.
Nowitzki added, “That emission is super gentle.”
Not even the upcoming Morris thought Porzingis deserved to be thrown.
“I wish Porzingis played, because it’s playoffs, man – no one should be thrown in the playoffs,” said Morris, who took over from the Knicks’ Clippers on the trade date. ‘I know this team really hurts them. Not my fault, but I did not think it was so serious. ”
Crew chief Kane Fitzgerald said officials determined after seeing replay that Porzingis had escalated the incident when he approached Morris.
Porzingis had recorded his first technical foul in the first half for his reaction to a foul called when he believed he was blocking a shot. The Clippers swung Doncic from the start, forcing him into the first two minutes in three innings, as they rode to a 10-0 lead.
“KP had my back. He did it for me. He did it for his teammate. He had my back, ”said Doncic, who finished with 42 points. “Not just me, but the whole team appreciates that. I don’t think it was fair to take him out of the game, especially in the playoffs. ‘
Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Wednesday.
– With AP
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