“Most Rigged Game of 2024”: Raptors Fans Reminisce Fred VanVleet’s Ben Taylor Rant as Referee Controversy Ruins Lakers Game

Following a victory against the Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers have regained momentum by conquering the Toronto Raptors. They are now back to a .500 record for the season. Anthony Davis showcased his dominance early on against a smaller Raptors lineup, amassing 41 points and 11 rebounds. LeBron James contributed 22 points, while four other Lakers players reached double digits.

However, as the game unfolded, it gave rise to a speculative narrative that has been the essence of many recent matchups—centered around referees and their alleged favoritism within games.

Raptors fans reminisce about Fred VanVleet’s comments on Ben Taylor

As the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers game approached its conclusion, NBA fans unleashed their frustration on Twitter, ignited by a series of controversial calls from the referees. Memories resurfaced of Fred VanVleet’s bold critique of Ben Taylor’s judgment during March 2023, a moment that fans believed set a precedent.

@xiphoidar took the opportunity to argue that VanVleet shouldn’t have limited himself to criticizing the referee. Instead, the fan cited an alternative way.

@Imman_Adan, who lauded the newly constructed Raptors but labeled their loss against the Lakers as the “most rigged game of 2024 echoed the sentiment,” given that they fell short by just one point.

Injecting humor into the discourse, @BlakeMurphyODC sarcastically remarked, “This is what you dream of as a kid. Hollywood. Lakers. LeBron. Ben Taylor.”

Adding to the comedic tone, @steven_lebron responded to a post featuring a bodybuilder lifting weights with a humorous twist, suggesting that winning a game with Ben Taylor officiating is a more formidable challenge than the depicted feat.

The Twitter exchanges painted a vivid picture of fan reactions, blending frustration, appreciation, and humor in response to the intense NBA showdown and the controversial officiating.

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Why are Toronto Raptors fans angry at Ben Taylor and other referees?

Fans’ frustration stems from numerous missed calls during the latter stretches of the game. They direct the accusations at Ben Taylor for delayed calls, overlooked fouls, and contentious whistles. Raptors were the better team when talking about overall field goal percentages and three-point shooting. Moreover, they also made more shots than the Lakers. With that, the discrepancy in free throws becomes a focal point.

The final statistics reveal a stark contrast in free throws. The Raptors shot only 13 from the charity stripe while the Lakers shot 36 times. However, the numbers were way bleaker within the last 8.3 seconds of the game.

Adding to the controversy, in the critical last minute of the game, Anthony Davis seemingly collided with RJ Barret, resulting in AD hitting the floor. Fans have raised accusations of Davis flopping. Furthermore, the play proved pivotal as it nullified a potential game-tying three-point shot by the Raptors.

The contentious late-game events only fueled fans’ anger, amplifying the debate on the fairness of officiating during the intense matchup.

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