The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers by a score of 108-107 on Wednesday evening in a dramatic ending that sparked controversy.
Following the conclusion of the game, Harden revealed that he has no intentions to make amends with Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers. He also did not show any worry about his reception from the fans.
According to Harden, if you were to ask them, they most likely wouldn’t be able to explain why they were booing.
NBA referee Kevin Scott stated in a report from Philadelphia inquirer’s Keith Pompey that on the final play on the court, the crew initially saw the defender as jumping straight up. However, upon reviewing post-game video, they noticed that the defender George had slightly shifted to his left, indicating a foul should have been called.
Leonard’s second-half performance was crucial to the team’s comeback as he bounced back from a rough start of 1 for 8 and ended the game with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 26 points, followed by Kelly Oubre with 17 points. Kelly Oubre Jr. from the Philadelphia 76ers came close to overcoming Kawhi Leonard’s amazing performance. (Image credit: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The nurse openly shared his thoughts with the reporters after the game.
There were plenty of interesting plot points in the game, including the reception that previous 76er James Harden received when he was announced as part of the Clippers team at Wells Fargo Center. This was his first appearance at the arena since being traded from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.
Oubre was dissatisfied with another situation where he believed he was unfairly caught by Leonard while making a final drive to the hoop. Scott disagreed, stating that “Leonard was properly positioned to guard,” resulting in a jump ball.
The fans in attendance didn’t hold back when Harden was introduced, constantly taunting him whenever he had possession of the ball. He ended the game with 16 points and five rebounds, despite playing in front of a hostile crowd. Just a day before, he and his team, the Clippers, had faced his ex-team in a game where they were defeated 121-107.
Oubre was able to reach the basket, but was blocked by Leonard right as the clock ran out. There was a possibility of a foul by Paul George, but the referees did not make a call and the buzzer went off before Oubre could take a free throw.
“You’re a b****. You’re a b****. You’re a b****,” Oubre appeared to say to the referees before he was also pulled away.
“I would like to offer my apologies for losing my composure. It is something that I continuously strive to improve upon, as I aim to portray God in the best light possible. I humbly request for forgiveness for my actions,” stated the 28-year-old. “I acknowledge that my behavior was not acceptable and I am prepared to face any consequences that come with it.”
Angered by the referee’s decision, Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse quickly made his way onto the court and had to be restrained by other staff members. He was not the only one upset, as Kelly Oubre used the opportunity to confront each official and convey a message.
“Did he go in a bit aggressively?” he asked. “I saw it on our computer screen a few times and I believe there was definitely contact. It seemed to be similar to the ones that were called as ‘and-one’s’ at the other end. That’s how it goes though. I just thought there was enough contact to warrant a call. “Kawhi Leonard took over for the Clippers with a pair of 3-point plays in the final minute of the nail-biter, adding a crucial block on the last possession. His heroics were somewhat overshadowed in the last moments, as 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr.’s potentially game-saving drive was fumbled by officials.
Oubre shared a similar feeling when he disagreed with the decision, but he also apologized for his emotional reaction.
The officials acknowledged they did not make the call during the game, for whatever it’s worth.