Steve Kerr is not happy that Nikola Jokic attempted eighteen free throws in a single game. But rather than criticizing the player, he is drawing attention to NBA regulations. Following the Golden State Warriors’ Christmas matchup with the Denver Nuggets is this.
According to Steve Kerr, Nikola Jokic’s fouls were “BS.”
He begins by discussing his opinions of the officials in the game, stating that he has no issues with them.
“I don’t have a problem with the officials themselves; they are excellent throughout the league.”
Steve Kerr
He does, however, have serious concerns about the way the league handles player contact.
The fact that the Nuggets were awarded 32 free throws in that particular game further emphasizes this. Furthermore, Jokic makes a staggering 18 free throws, more than half of the team’s total.
Kerr considers what it might be like for a fan to watch a game if a significant portion of the action is centered around luring fouls for free throws.
“I object to the way defense is being eliminated from the game by legislation. We’re merely giving players the opportunity to scam their way to the foul line with the manner we’re instructing the referees. I wouldn’t want to see that game’s second half if I were a fan. It was repulsive. It was merely luring referees into calls.
In the meanwhile, he finds it admirable how players have developed and adjusted to the game. He suggests that by being aware of the contact regulations, they have mastered the art of maximizing the benefits of fouls.
“In this league, the guys are extremely intelligent. They have advanced in intelligence over the course of the last 10 or so years. It’s awful to watch as the players, who we have enabled, are taking full advantage of the situation and putting on a parade to the free throw line.
Did the free throws change anything?
A succinct response? Indeed. In the end, it did make a difference. Given that the Nuggets converted 26 of their 32 shots, it contributed to the 114-120 score differential.
The Warriors could have kept the game close with missed free throws or, even better, no foul calls.
It’s also crucial to remember that Kerr’s Warriors had 23 chances to make free throws and made 20 of them.
In the end, supporters can only conjecture because it’s a lost game. Moreover, Draymond Green is suspended indefinitely, which may potentially play a role.
The league has recently seen some “bad” referee calls. This is another issue. But the league itself has to handle that.
In the meantime, their victory may have also been greatly influenced by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s outstanding defense of Stephen Curry.
Regarding the number of fouls and free throws the Nuggets were awarded, do you believe Kerr has a point?
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