“They Don’t Want to See Us Win”: NBA Referees Become ‘Public Enemy’ After Luka Doncic’s Magic to End LeBron James’ Night

Published 01/13/2023, 1:41 AM EST
Meeting for the first time since Christmas, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks gave fans a thriller. The double-overtime clash saw Luka Doncic and Dallas come out on top. However, the game with a fair share of complaints. Notably, it was a rough day at the office for the referees. Laker nation lashed out against the officials since a late-game call potentially cost LeBron James the win.
Through the third quarter, it seemed to be just another Lakers loss incoming. However, Dallas was in for a surprise. Overcoming a double-digit deficit, Russell Westbrook and the Lakers got right back in. The two teams went bucket for bucket in the final quarter. After a heroic Luka Doncic steps back, the Lakers got an opportunity at the last shot.
Jan 12, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Christian Wood (35) moves the ball up court ahead of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Brown got a contested look for the game-winner. But Tim Hardaway Jr. got his hand up in time, or so it seemed. The last play caused major controversy as the review showed another side of the story.
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LeBron James and Lakers lose because of a bad call?
Both teams showed immense competitiveness in this clash. The aura was physical and almost old school with the Lakers and Mavericks both fighting for each possession. Likewise, the referees might have missed a few obvious calls. Some turned out to be bigger than others. Hardaway’s last shot contest seemed to have grazed the hands of Troy Brown. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the officials saw it as a fair block. Even LeBron James couldn’t believe his eyes as the forward quarreled in disbelief.
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The reaction to the call would be an outburst. Laker nation exploded away on the referees as the game ultimately gave Dallas two overtime to steal the game.
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As has been the season’s story, Luka Doncic put up yet another monster triple-double. Putting his unstoppable step back to use, the 23-year-old hit back-to-back shots to force additional time. However, the unsung hero was arguably their center Christian Wood. The former Houston Rockets star came up huge on both ends of the floor. He fought his way to a 24 points, 14 rebounds double-double to go with 5 crucial blocks. The duo combined for 59 on the night. In addition, Spencer Dinwiddie stepped up late game finishing with 17 points.
Russell Westbrook led the way for the Lakers off the bench. The triple-double leader scored a team-high 28 points in the double overtime thriller. LeBron James had an effective night setting up his teammates with 9 assists. However, the King struggled to make timely buckets when needed in his 24-point outing. The 18-time All-Star continued his nightmare slump missing all of his 7 three-point attempts.
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The purple and gold’s late-game rally never translated to a big lead. A run was quickly shut down by Dallas, who had the superior firepower in the contest. However, with the major controversy surrounding the final call in regulation time, do you think this was a game the Lakers deserved to win? Let us know your views in the comments below.