Steph Curry ‘Frustrated’ with NBA Refs’ ‘Inconsistencies’ in Warriors’ Loss to Lakers

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 28, 2024

Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry called out the officiating in Saturday’s 145-144 double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The nine-time All-Star said he was “frustrated” with the lack of consistency from the referees.

“You want to be in place where the players decide the game or it’s consistent on both ends of what you’re calling,” he told reporters. “… There were probably three plays that I was involved in where it was a clear bad call.”

The Lakers attempted 43 free throws to just 16 for the Warriors, with Golden State whistled for 13 more fouls. LeBron James sank two free throws with one second on the clock in the second overtime to give Los Angeles the win.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made his opinions on the officiating clear as well while refraining to comment:

Warriors on NBCS @NBCSWarriors”I might comment on the free throws that they shot, but my mom is here right now and I want to be on my best behavior.”

Steve Kerr on the Lakers shooting 27 more free throws than the Warriors 😅 pic.twitter.com/qbTidlT2Uj

The gulf in free throws certainly stood out. Los Angeles had a 27-point edge at the charity stripe.

Curry referenced one reason why the Warriors struggled to get to the line Saturday. Teams that lean heavily on the perimeter game are less likely to draw contact, especially with the NBA making a concerted effort to limit the ways a shooter can draw a foul.

Golden State launched 58 three-pointers against Los Angeles, 21 of those courtesy of Curry. That doesn’t totally explain why the two-time MVP only had three free throws but is at least an explanation.