There was a very peculiar sequence with 3:39 left in the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets.
LaMelo Ball got fouled with the Lakers in the penalty, which gifted him two free throws. But peep the box score and see that he ended up taking five total after three straight technical fouls on the purple and gold.
i am exhausted. pic.twitter.com/lO4VrueSsp
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 9, 2021
First it was a delay of game called on Carmelo Anthony for walking in the middle of the paint LaMelo took his free throw. Then things started getting heated as both Russell Westbrook and Melo were issued matching technical fouls.
After the game which ended in a Lakers win, Russell Westbrook was vocal about the incident and how exactly the referee got under his skin.
Via Silver Screen and Roll:
“The ref was a little upset,” said the Lakers star. “I don’t know why, but he screamed at me, and I told him ‘don’t scream at me. I’m not your kid, I’ve got kids of my own. Don’t talk to me like I’m your child.’ So he gave me a tech.”
But Russ made it clear that he's not holding any grudges. He understands why he was called for the tech, but he certainly wouldn't be backing down if given the chance again.
“I’m OK with that though. I understand there are heated moments, but we’re all grown men. And if I talk to you with respect, the refs should do the same.”
Asked about the sequence in particular, with the Lakers initially up nine and just three minutes left, that allowed the Hornets to come back, Russell Westbrook had the perfect two-word response.
“Who won?”
The Lakers got the W. To Russell Westbrook, that's all that matters.
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