Another game, another controversial ending in the Oklahoma City Thunder-San Antonio Spurs series.
After the NBA admitted that officials missed five calls in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal between the Spurs and Thunder, more eyebrows were raised Tuesday night when there was another huge non-call toward the end of Game 5.
The Spurs were trailing 92-91 with under 10 seconds left in the game, and Thunder guard Russell Westbrook had the ball in his hands. Kawhi Leonard wrapped his arms around Westbrook to try to intentionally send him to the free-throw line, but the whistle didn’t blow.
Instead, Westbrook charged to the rim, scored and was fouled by LaMarcus Aldridge to force an and-one. Westbrook converted the free throw to make it 95-91 — a lead the Thunder did not relinquish.
After the game, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich wasn’t shy about criticizing the officials.
“He fouled him,” Popovich said. “It was pretty obvious he fouled him. But, you know, every call doesn’t get called. That’s the way the game is.”
The Spurs now are on the ropes, trailing the series 3-2, heading into Game 6 in Oklahoma City on Thursday night.
Thumbnail photo via Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports Images
