Kelly Oubre Jr. directed some NSFW language at officials following a non-call on Paul George with less than a second remaining.
The conclusion of Wednesday night’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers was filled with drama, replay reviews, and tremendous performances by both sides. In the end, the Clippers won 108-107, but not without controversy.
On the final play of the game, with his side losing by one point, 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. drove to the hoop and tried a jumper while colliding with Clippers forward Paul George.
The referees did not sound the whistle, and the Clippers won when time expired.
Describe this final possession in one word: ______ pic.twitter.com/aHIWDKhkuO
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 28, 2024
Oubre and 76ers coach Nick Nurse exchanged furious words following the play, while teammates distanced them from the referees. Oubre, who finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss, had some very NSFW comments for the refs (lip readers, get to work), which have since gone viral on NBA social media. After the game, Oubre explained his behavior:
“First and foremost, heat of the moment, this is an intense basketball game, of course. We’re not perfect, the refs aren’t perfect,”
“I want to apologize for just losing my cool, because that’s something I try to work on each and every day, and try to represent God in the best way I possibly can, and that wasn’t it. I just ask for forgiveness.
“… At the end of the day it wasn’t cool, so I’ll take whatever penalties come with that and have to move on. But I’ve got to be better, in a sense.”
Refs now admit the error on Kelly Oubre Jr.’s decision
To make matters worse for Philadelphia supporters, the referees admitted after the game that Oubre’s drive should have resulted in a foul, putting him at the free throw line with less than a second left to take the lead. Crew chief Kevin Scott stated in the postgame pool report:
“On the last play on the floor, in real time the crew interpreted that play as the defender jumping vertically,”
“However, in post-game video review we did observe some slight drift to his left by the defender George, and a foul should have been ruled.”
There are several missed calls in any basketball game, but those that come on plays with the potential to win the game are always scrutinized the most. The officials deserve credit for admitting their mistake, but it doesn’t make the loss any easier for the Sixers, who are striving to avoid the Eastern Conference play-ins.