Now even the coaches are flopping.
Steve Kerr started his Monday interview with reporters by flopping backward, seemingly mocking Rockets star James Harden after a contentious Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals that Kerr’s Warriors won, 104-100.
The main point of frustration by Harden and the Rockets was not calling fouls on 3-point attempts on which Golden State players seemed to be invading the shooters’ space after shot.
“And in the modern era, players have gotten really good at deception, creating contact,” Kerr said in a video posted by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “I don’t remember people falling down on 3-point shots all the time when I played. … The game has gotten, so much deception is a part of the game that it’s very, very difficult to officiate. … I am disappointed this has become the whole narrative when it should be about two great teams competing against each other.”
Disappointed as he might be, Kerr’s mentioning of deception could be seen as a direct shot at Harden, the reigning MVP. Harden bemoaned the lack of a “fair chance” following Game 1. The only answer from the NBA thus far came in the form of its standard Last 2-Minute Report, which said Harden was not fouled on his potential tying 3-point attempt in the final seconds. It did, however, say that Stephen Curry fouled Eric Gordon in the ensuing chase for the ball.
Chris Paul got a technical immediately afterward, a fitting end to the controversial game as the Warriors made the free throw to seal the Game 1 victory.
“It’s disappointing because the focus should be on the two teams playing extremely hard,” Kerr said. “Watching the tape, both teams just got after it and competed. You don’t think there were 10 calls where we thought we got fouled. This is how it goes. Every coach in the league will tell you the same thing. … It’s very, very difficult to officiate an NBA game. There’s all sorts of gray area.”
