LThe controversy was present in the NBA, with an uncalled foul on LeBron James at the last minute of the game against the Celtics, extra times arrived and the Lakers cayeron en Boston 125-121.
Patrick Beverly took a camera that someone had courtside, and led her over to referee Eric Lewis, to show her what everyone who had watched the replay knew: LeBron James had been fouled for missing a layup at the last minute of regular time.
Instead of convincing Lewis, Beverly was called for a technical foul that gave Boston the lead at the start of extra time. The Celtics took advantage of the situation.
“The best player in the world he fails to have a foul committed against him sanctioned. Is incredible”, Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “As much as one does not try to blame the referees it becomes more and more difficult.”
Jaylen Brown had 37 points, including three in a play that equalized the score with 4.1 seconds left in regular time, and Boston snapped a three-game losing streak, beating Los Angeles 125-121 on Saturday.
Brown added 11 points in overtime for the Celtics, NBA leaders. He added nine rebounds.
Malcolm Brogdon scored 15 of his 26 points in the second half of a give-and-take encounter in which the advantage changed hands 19 times – six in the fourth quarter. The score was tied 15 times.
James totaled 41 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Anthony Davis had 16 points and 10 boards for Los Angeles.
Beverly scored 15 points giving the Lakers the lead twice during the last minute of regular time. However, he missed a free kick that could have ensured the victory and committed the technical foul in the last action of the fourth period.
James was furious about what happened, both in the extension and after it, in the changing rooms.
“I don’t understand. I don’t understand what we’re doing, and I watch basketball every day,” said the star, who covered his head with a towel for much of overtime and kept his head down as he spoke in front of his locker. “I watch matches every day and I don’t see this happening to anyone else. It’s crazy.”
Photo: AP
