Stupid delays ruin the Lakers-Warriors game’s conclusion
The Lakers-Warriors game on ABC ought to have been a great NBA showcase. There was nothing but ineptitude and tardiness in the final two minutes.
Steph Curry missed a three-point shot that sailed out of bounds, giving the Golden State Warriors the advantage with less than two minutes remaining in their 124-120 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. After calling a timeout to challenge, Lakers coach Darvin Ham ended the game.
The referees instantly turned to the replay monitor and examined a LeBron James three-pointer from a few seconds prior. Following a thorough analysis, the referees determined that James’ heel was out of bounds, so nullifying the three points.
That wasn’t all, though. Following an almost five-minute break, the officials declared that Ham’s challenge had been successful. They determined that since Andrew Wiggins and Jaxson Hayes touched the rebound at the same time, a jump ball would occur.
Announcer Mike Breen hinted menacingly that although James had not yet surpassed his season-high point total, there was still “plenty of time” remaining in the game. Draymond Green intercepted the touch and flung it off Austin Reaves as he was about to go out of bounds, proving that his remarks were prophetic.
The clock lost three seconds. In real life, so much more time had passed.
Green was bumped by Reaves. Before Green could get the ball off Reaves, it seemed as though his foot touched the line. Once more, Ham challenged. Emirates Airlines, the sponsor of the referee jersey patch, was featured heavily on TV. Doris Burke and J.J. Redick of ESPN tied to pass the time as the review went on and on, and Breen inquired as to whether they could just decide on something.
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