This is Fred Hoiberg’s first trip to the playoffs as an NBA head coach, but he already seems well-versed in referee lobbying.
The Chicago Bulls coach and his club are heading back to Boston with their series against the Celtics tied at two games apiece. And when the two teams tip off Wednesday at TD Garden in Game 5, Hoiberg hopes the officials keep a close eye on Boston guard Isaiah Thomas when he has the ball.
Thomas had another terrific effort in Game 4, especially in the second half, scoring 33 points to help the Celtics even the series. Almost all of Thomas’ scoring came on drives to the basket and finishes at the rim. (He hit just one of nine 3-point attempts.)
Most saw that as a terrific individual effort. Hoiberg partially saw that, too, but he also saw something else. The young coach used part of his postgame press conference to point out a trend from Thomas that’s gone uncalled.
David Fizdale rant it was not, but Hoiberg’s message might have an impact. At the very least, he’s planted the seed in everyone’s minds — perhaps including the NBA and its officials — ahead of Game 5 to the point where Thomas’ ballhandling could be a focal point.
Thumbnail photo via Caylor Arnold/USA TODAY Sports Images
