After the Warriors 129-107 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday night, the majority of the media’s focus was understandably on coach Steve Kerr’s ejection late in the fourth quarter. To understand the fireworks, it is important to know what led to the climax.
It all started at the 7:35 mark of the fourth quarter, when Portland big man Zach Collins emphatically rejected a layup attempt from Warriors forward Damion Lee. On the ensuing offensive possession, Collins drew a charge on Klay Thompson. Thompson did not appreciate the acting Collins performed in order to get the call. Collins and Thompson jawed while walking down the court, earning each of them technical fouls. Collins, now emotionally charged, started going at other Warriors’ players.
Draymond Green decided that enough was enough and, at the 3:54 mark, committed a hard foul on Collins as the Gonzaga product was driving to the basket. After looking at the foul, the referees decided to give Green a Flagrant 1, designated for unnecessary contact.
Many thought this was a questionable call, at best — most notably Kerr. After hearing the call, Kerr went berserk on referee Kenny Mayer, which included an impressive clipboard slam. Unsurprisingly, Kerr was ejected following this display. But he didn’t seem to be finished, and had to be restrained by Kevin Durant.
Here is what the coach had to say about the incident:
Kerr told the media that he “was shocked at how [the foul] was determined.”
Kevin Durant and Draymond Green also shared thoughts on the incident. When asked if he feels he is held to a different standard when comes to officiating, Green responded, “I’ve been officiated a certain way for years. It is what it is.”
Durant felt the calls took momentum away from the Warriors, and when asked how it was trying to pry Kerr away, Durant shared some sympathy:
I felt him. I understand his anger and his rage, especially with that call.
On the bright side, Kerr has a little extra time to calm down, as the Warriors do not play again until Feb. 21, due to the All-Star Break.
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