NBA News: Interesting Stat Shows Play-In Refs Not On Warriors' Side

History may have something to do with the Golden State Warriors’ play-in loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA’s play-in tournament has received an array of criticisms, including one from Lakers superstar LeBron James.

Apparently, the buzz doesn’t end outside the basketball court as a report pointed out that two of the referees who officiated the Lakers vs. Warriors play-in game have had a history with both teams.

It was earlier announced that the trio of John Goble, Tre Maddox and Josh Tiven would be on the floor while Brian Forte would also be present as an alternate for the Lakers vs. Warriors game.

Interestingly, the Dubs were 1-14 in their last 15 games with Goble and Maddox as officials, NBC Sports reported.

Atop the aforementioned stat, NBA data analyst Owen Phillips also came up with a report that Goble and Maddox actually “have a history” of calling game-dictating “fouls” against both the Warriors and Lakers.

“According to NBA data analyst Owen Phillips, Maddox and Goble have a history of calling personal fouls and technical fouls with a high frequency against the Warriors and Lakers,” the report read.

The Lakers managed to hold off the Warriors 103-100. In line with the said stat, it appears that the latter has extended its poor record with Goble and Maddox as officials.

On a different note, the Lakers had enjoyed a five-game winning streak heading into the play-in duel against the Warriors.

However, the defending NBA champions struggled to find their rhythm and were trailing the entire first half.

In the third quarter, the Lakers bounced back and outscored the Warriors, 35-24.

Anthony Davis scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, but it was James who put the Lakers on top by three with 58.2 seconds left by hitting a 30-footer.

Reflecting on his game-winning shot, James explained, "I practice enough and work on my game…[I am] able to drain it.”

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The four-time MVP finished the game with another monster performance, having registered 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Raving over the 36-year-old’s seemingly timeless talent, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said, “[James] proved why he is the best player in the world. Just add it to the list of great plays and accomplishments.”

The Lakers have now advanced to the first round of the Western Conference and will now face the Phoenix Suns.