A highly entertaining finish to Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals matchup between the Warriors and Rockets has been marred by controversy over the officiating, namely with regards to a lack of calls Houston believes it should have gotten on three-pointers during the game.
The league’s Last 2 Minute report backed up the officials’ no call on James Harden’s game-tying three-point attempt, when he made contact low with Draymond Green, but it was determined he swung his legs into Green to create it. That was far from the only example during the game, as there were some in the first half that the Rockets have legitimate reason to complain, but it was the highest profile given the moment.
Later in that wild final sequence, Chris Paul ran into Klay Thompson after grabbing the offensive board and felt he deserved a call, going after the official and ultimately making contact, earning a second technical and an ejection.
https://twitter.com/_MarcusD3_/status/1122624527551352832
Unsurprisingly, the league did not take kindly to that, but Paul will avoid a suspension for Game 2, instead being slapped with a $35,000 fine for his actions.
No suspension for Chris Paul for making contact with referee late in Game 1 on Sunday; $35,000 fine by the NBA.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 29, 2019
That’s good news for Houston and non-Warriors fans hoping for a fun, competitive series. Paul’s presence is much needed for the Rockets and, while they had reason for some frustration in Game 1 with officials, Paul will have to figure out how to avoid picking up too many technicals after a quick pair in the first game. The Rockets as an organization feel they’re fighting an uphill battle with the officials against the Warriors, but managing those frustrations will be important in close games.
