Warriors vs. Rockets: Harden's Referee Complaints Find Support From Players, Green Disagrees

The officiating was the major talking point after Golden State Warriors won Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against Houston Rockets 104-100. James Harden called the out the referees in his post-game press conference and demanded a “fair chance” and he was backed up by a number of NBA players and management not involved in the playoffs.

The Rockets players and officials seemed incensed that the officials missed a number of calls, mainly against Harden and Chris Paul when Warriors players invaded their space during multiple three-point attempts. The officials had a busy night where they called out a combined 45 fouls, four technical fouls and ejected Paul with 4.4 seconds remaining in the game.

But despite that it was clear they missed a number of calls and have once again been called out by the players. Harden was angry during his post-game chat with the media and admitted that he accept the loss if the game is called fair and square.

“I just want a fair chance, man. Just call the game the way it’s supposed to be called and we’ll live with the results,” Harden told reporters after the Rockets’ loss.

Jared Dudley of the Brooklyn Nets led the way in pointing out the officials’ mistakes by specifically talking about Rockets point guard Paul’s three-point play, which the forward felt should have been adjudged a foul. He believes the league needs to decide whether to call “all of them or none” so it gives clarity to the offensive players.

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert joined the conversation and admitted that he and his teammates were called up for fouls on similar plays against the Rockets players in the first round of the playoffs. His comment got some hilarious replies from Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell, who alluded that he could be fined by the league for his comments.

It was not only the players berating the officials with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also chiming in. He believes it is the NBA’s fault and not the officials’ and wants the “side to side” fouls to be removed. He said he was waiting for the two minute report.

However, there was one player, who was not interested in what Harden had to say after the match and that was Warriors forward Draymond Green. He joked he has been fouled by Harden when the Rockets guard attempts a three-pointer.

The Warriors star also made it clear that the officials missed calls on both sides and his team could also have shot 20 free throws more. Green admits that the officials will get calls wrong but believes it is part of the game.