Boston Celtics Doc Rivers laments refereeing decisions, vows not to be distracted – NBA Playoffs Update
The Boston Celtics went toe to toe with the mighty Miami Heat in game-2 of their Eastern Conference Finals series and despite being on the wrong end of some questionable refereeing calls, pushed the game into overtime. The Celtics though had more tough luck
with the officials to follow and ended up on the losing side after all.
The team were understandably furious with the perceived victimization but head coach Doc Rivers declared on Thursday that he wouldn’t be distracted by what had gone on. Rivers said what has happening was there for all to see, but his team will remain focused.
"I'm not going to touch that," Rivers said. "I think Paul Pierce attacks just as much as LeBron James attacks. I'll leave it that. Today, I think we've already moved past it and by tomorrow, I think we'll be ready to play.”
The Celtics were awarded much fewer free throws than the Miami Heat, which seemed unfair given that both sides were getting to the rim. Rivers did say that he had no problem with Miami super stars Dwyane Wade and LeBron James getting foul calls because they
were great players and earned them. But so were the Celtics.
“They are going to shoot a lot of free throws ... you know LeBron and Wade will be. There's nothing wrong with that. That's who they are. But we have to as well."
The weary coach wasn’t as diplomatic right after the game however. On Wednesday he had seen his side lose out in overtime, with a blatant foul on Rajon Rondo not called, which arguably turned the game.
Rivers was pretty incensed and did not want to speak about the officiating for fear of a fine. He did take a swipe though, questioning the calls that saw LeBron get so much leverage and his captain Paul Pierce being fouled out.
"Listen, it is what it is. LeBron James took 24 free throws tonight and our team took 29. Paul Pierce fouled out of a game where he was attacking the basket. It's just tough.”
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