NBA officiating has always been a problem. For the past few years, NBA players, coaches, executives and fans alike have complained about league officiating in games. This time, however, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle didn't take the bait and refused to criticize officials despite a game-changing no-call in the Mavs' overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
Carlisle admitted he was “upset” by the decision, but he didn't want to further comment for a valid, albeit amusing, reason.
“I was upset too, but I'm not going to spend 50 grand to criticize it just doesn't make sense,” Carlisle said in his post-game presser.
If only players and other coaches adopted this method.
Carlisle understands that officials will make calls that are incorrect, though the calls could be very egregious. However, crying over spilled milk won't change the call — it will just make for an expensive cleanup.
Yes, the NBA determined that the refs missed two crucial calls late in the game. But as Carlisle implied, it's best to criticize the officials in private. That way, no money will be spent on fines.
Nevertheless, the Mavs have plenty to not complain about as their new tandem, Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis bloom into fruition. The two's chemistry has been evident from the start, and it should only get better.
Hopefully, their growing partnership can overcome bad officiating later on in the NBA season. And Carlisle won't have to worry about saving money for potential fines, either.
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