Stephen Curry expressed dismay at the way referees officiated Golden State’s Christmas Day match-up against the Denver Nuggets, where Nikola Jokic shot 18 free throws.
The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 120-114, snapping Golden State’s five-game winning streak. Jokic finished with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists, but what stood out from his stat line was his 18-of-18 shooting from the foul line.
In the post-game interview, Curry said that the officiating favored players who could sell calls.
“It does cater to the guys that can sell calls,” Curry said. “When there’s physicality, it’s tough because it’s inconsistent at times on either side, just what’s the tone of the game. Then, game to game, it changes; that’s the nature of basketball, but on a night like tonight, you feel like there’s physicality on one side and then ticky-tack on the other. Then they get into the bonus, and it changes the [complexion] of the game.”
“It’s not like we don’t foul; I’m not saying that. It’s just consistency is key when it comes to understanding how you can defend,” Curry added. “It was tough tonight. Slowed the whole game down. Obviously [Jokic] made every free throw. It changed the momentum and played into their hands. Until things change, you have to adjust, but it’s frustrating.”
Curry struggled against Denver with 18 points on 7-of-21 shooting from the field. In addition, Klay Thompson contributed with just nine points on 3-of-12 shooting. (MJD)
