The Golden State Warriors head to the Bay Area down 2-0 in their first-round playoff series against the Sacramento Kings.
The defending champions have their backs against the wall with Draymond Greene suspended for Game 3 after stomping Domantas Sabonis in the chest. While the Warriors have plenty of issues to fix when returning home, J.J. Redick also thinks they need a more favorable whistle.
During Wednesday’s First Take, the former NBA sharpshooter criticized inconsistent officiating during the first two games at Sacramento.
“The referees have dictated too much in the Kings’ favor in this series,” Redick said. “I really believe that.”
Redick continued that he rarely, if ever, complains about officiating. However, he doesn’t think the Warriors can come back unless the referees “call the game the way the game is supposed to be called.”
Some fans are happy Redick said something, but others think he’s just making excuses for the Warriors.
“Glad I ain’t the only one seeing the obvious,” a fan wrote.
Glad I ain’t the only one seeing the obvious @ChadeMarcelle https://t.co/R3V7DxWGEw
— Kallis Arthur (@Kyng_Kali) April 19, 2023
“If you watched the games you would know what JJ is talking about … They were literally hugging Steph [Curry] OFF the ball,” another fan claimed.
If you watched the games you would know what JJ is talking about. The Kings only defensive game plan against Curry, Dray, Klay, and Poole was to be extremely aggressive. They were literally hugging Steph OFF the ball. Only two fouls were call but it should’ve been 10. https://t.co/UuRSXTqSfu
— Benét (@HanBenet) April 19, 2023
“Damn JJ and I thought you had good takes!” another fan wrote. “Let’s stop making excuses for the Warriors!”
Damn JJ and I thought you had good takes! Let’s stop making excuses for the Warriors! https://t.co/AMRspLvknK
— Lo Dattoli (@ISOO_Lo) April 19, 2023
“JJ telling it like it is,” a fan stated.
JJ telling it like it is… https://t.co/iZ6FAljaeU
— Zaidyn's Madre!!! (@TT_babyyy10) April 19, 2023
“Let them have their home cooking,” a fan countered. “It’s been 17 years [since the Kings hosted a playoff game]. It’s all good.”
Let them have their home cooking it’s been 17 years it’s all good https://t.co/LtnEfe1iRq
— ???? BizzY ???????????? (@BiZZyBonTheDon) April 19, 2023
While Redick said he doesn’t oppose the officials allowing physical play in the postseason, he didn’t think the same leniency extended both ways.
Whether Greene warranted a suspension is an entirely different discussion. His actions and the league’s decision put Golden State’s title defense in grave jeopardy.
The Warriors will hope for some better officiating when hosting the Kings in Thursday night’s pivotal Game 3.
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