Former NBA player convinced Thunder have an ‘acting coach’ after Lakers loss
· Yahoo Sports
Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Eddie Johnson watched the Oklahoma City Thunder take a 2-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
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Needless to say, the 19-year veteran did not like what he saw out of the defending champions. The Thunder defeated Los Angeles 125-107 at Paycom Center in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.
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Despite another dominant victory, the game drew widespread criticism. Thunder players drew scrutiny for flopping and receiving favorable foul calls from officials throughout the night.
Johnson did not hold back on social media. He zeroed in on one play that best captured the controversy.
In the first quarter, Chet Holmgren dropped to the floor after a collision with DeAndre Ayton. Replays revealed Ayton made no meaningful contact. Holmgren sold the fall, and officials rewarded him with the call.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives between Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) and guard Marcus Smart (36). Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesEddie Johnson blatantly calls out OKC Thunder
Johnson reshared the clip and wondered if the Thunder were taking acting lessons on the side.
“I am convinced the Thunder have an acting coach,” he wrote. “Chet grabs his mouth and elbow was no where near it. Officials you gotta stop being scared to call flopping!”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren each scored 22 points to pace Oklahoma City. The 24-year-old center was a big factor once more, adding nine rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks.
The outrage extended well beyond Johnson. Lakers head coach JJ Redick received a technical foul in the first quarter after arguing a missed call. Austin Reaves also got in the faces of the referees postgame. He made clear he felt the officiating was unacceptable throughout the night.
If anything, the frustration may be exactly what Los Angeles needs. Game 3 tips off at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.