Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George appeared livid with the officiating in the NBA In-season tournament matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. The Clippers suffered another defeat and fell to 0-5 since James Harden joined the team.
George said that the Clippers played against “extra three” meaning the officials and called the refs out for their decisions in the closing minutes of the matchup.
“It’s tough, the adversity of playing against the extra three (officials). I thought they were awful. But, [against the] defending champs, we got to play better. There’s a lot to be positive about.” George told reporters.
The Clippers are struggling to find their balance as James Harden is working his way back to playing form again. The LA team erased a 13-point deficit and took a 7-point lead with six minutes remaining in the game.
Paul George had the chance to send the game to OT but he missed his 3-point attempt as the shot wedged between the backboard and the basket. In the following sequence, the Clippers lost the jumpball and the Nuggets held tight to win the game.
“It was bad. Jump shots, getting hit, smacked on the forearm. I mean, it was poor, a poor job. But, again, we got to be able to beat these guys on their floor and not rely on that. Again, they [are] calling something on one end, they got to call it on the other,” George continued.
The Clippers went to the line 24 times, while the Nuggets had 32 free throws in the game. Nikola Jokic led Denver to the win by registering a near triple-double of 32 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists. Paul George led all Clippers in scoring with 35 points.
