Just a few days after multiple Los Angeles Lakers players became so enraged with how James Harden was being officiated they started playing defense with their hands behind their backs, another team is up in arms over the deadly combo of the referees and the Houston Rockets star.
In the final minute of the Rockets 102-97 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night, Harden appeared to pull off what’s being referred to as a Double Step-Back while being guarded by Ricky Rubio at the top of the 3-point line. Harden faked like he was going to drive to his right, then performed his signature step-back move not once, but twice, to get back behind the arc and fire off a 3. He missed the shot, but Rubio was called for the foul and Harden went to the line and sunk three crucial free throws.
"It looked like he did two step backs." 😂 pic.twitter.com/k0V0AQLStB
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 18, 2018
The Jazz, and specifically Rubio, were upset that Harden wasn’t called for a travel, via ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
“You watch the play? What do you think?” Rubio said when asked whether he thought Harden traveled, not wanting to get fined for criticizing officiating. “I’m not going to answer, but I think 100 percent of the people know the answer.”
It won’t provide much solace, but Rubio’s frustrations were confirmed when the NBA officials’ admitted their flub on Twitter Tuesday morning.
The offensive player gathers the ball while on his right foot. He then takes a step with his left foot (step 1) into a hop step, landing first with his right foot (step 2) and then illegally with his left (step 3). We missed this one – it is a traveling violation. https://t.co/BqMAoZHgIu
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) December 18, 2018
But the best quote of all came from Harden, who was in no mood to snitch on himself after dropping 47 points in the win and pushing the Rockets back over .500 and into 10th place in the Western Conference.
“What do you want me to say? Tell on myself?” Harden said.
Fair point!
