The NBA world exploded after an uncanny technical foul on Anthony Edwards. During the much-awaited semi-final series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, the refs called a tech on stare-down. However, it wasn’t the only reason that triggered fans’ wrath online, but the officials’ injustice on the court. Even NBA legend Reggie Miller called out the refs after the controversial decision on live TV.
During a one-on-one play, Ant-Man foxed Nuggets’ Reggie Jackson and slammed a dunk. Following the dunk, Edwards stared down at Jackson without uttering a word, but the refs were quick to call tech. Reggie Miller, who was calling the game, immediately pointed out the disparity. The legend highlighted the moment when Jamal Murray celebrated a foul, making gestures at Karl-Anthony Towns.
Ant got called for a technical on this play 😳 pic.twitter.com/Nu1Yd01l9n
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 5, 2024
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Kendrick Perkins joined the bandwagon and made a stinging opinion on the decision via his X handle. He wrote, “So we’re calling stare downs but not finger guns?”
So we’re calling stare downs but not finger guns?
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 5, 2024
Nevertheless, the technical foul didn’t bother the result of the game. In fact, Anthony Edwards anchored the game with 43 points and 7 rebounds to produce an emphatic win and went 1-0 up in the series. On the other hand, fans had issues with Jamal Murray over his questionable gesture.
The superstar of the first-round series against the LA Lakers had an off night in the first half. Muray went scoreless for the first time in his playoff career. He went 0-5 FG, leaving the scoring pressure on the rest of the roster. However, he found his rhythm back in the second half and dropped 17 points.
Within those 17 points, there’s a controversial four-point play. The refs called the technical foul on Ant-Man at the late end of the third quarter. It immediately received backlash in the NBA world. But it blew out of proportion when Murray pulled out one of his antics.
Really glad that Jamal Murray got a technical for this.
Wait… pic.twitter.com/T8FnNpQtzG
— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) May 5, 2024
During the 8th-minute mark in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets star attempted a step-back three-pointer. It was closely contested by Karl-Anthony Towns and the big men collided with Murray in his attempt to guard him. The star point guard sunk the bucket despite the collision and also extracted a four-point play. Immediately after falling on the floor, Murray pulled his finger guns at Towns. Keeping this questionable action in mind, fans marched to the social media comments, questioning the officials.
Fans rip apart the refs over the controversial Anthony Edwards call
Apart from ballers, hoops fans also joined the debate regarding the controversial no call. A fan wrote, “A tech called on Anthony Edwards for this is shameful smh These celebrations make the game exciting, please stop making these calls!!!!”
Another fan rightfully pointed out the injustice existing in the two contrasting decisions. While Edwards received a tech, the refs turned a blind eye on Bubble Murray. Reacting to this, the fan wrote, “Hypocrisy is not giving tech to Jamal Murray for celebrating the foul on Towns.”
This fan didn’t hesitate to compare the situation with the Dubs star, Draymond Green. On a funnier note, this fan has forgotten the number of times the refs have ejected Green. Nevertheless, tech on Ant on a stare-down is an uncanny decision.
Just so I’m clear, Draymond literally screams at refs and not a peep but Anthony Edwards gets a tech for staring at someone? This is an absolute disgrace. pic.twitter.com/a3NMwtV5O3
— Steve Smith (@stevesmithffx) May 5, 2024
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This fan quickly put his meme knowledge into action and brought out the right emotion for Reggie Miller’s counter. As the Murray’s no call came in minutes after the tech foul, Miller quickly called out the refs on live TV.
Reggie Miller callin out the refs for not giving Murray a tech for doin the same shit Anthony edwards did pic.twitter.com/iCpxXKA26U
— Quan (@BlackK_GMS) May 5, 2024
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While Anthony Edwards received tech for taunting his opponents, Jamal Murray slipped away with no call. What do you think of the lapse in officiating? Let us know in the comments.