Toronto Raptors' head coach Nick Nurse sent a strong message to the referees prior to Game 2 vs. the 76ers. Speaking just hours before tip-off, Nurse further voiced his discontent with the refereeing in Game 1, which Philadelphia won 131-111.
76ers' reporter Kyle Neubeck tweeted that Nurse continued his criticism of the Game 1 refereeing in a press conference Monday. He also encouraged the refs to utilize the monitor to evaluate foul play: “I hope they have enough guts to at least stop the game and look at that stuff tonight.” Nurse went on to accuse Sixers' players of throwing elbows and even committing “an open hand slap” in Saturday's Game 1.
Nick Nurse continued his stump speech regarding the officials pregame tonight. Said there were elbows and “an open hand slap” from the Sixers in the first game that went uncalled.
“I hope they have enough guts to at least stop the game and look at that stuff tonight”
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) April 18, 2022
The Raptors coach was extremely unhappy following his team's loss on Saturday. In his post-game press conference, Nurse criticized the referees for how they handled his team's approach to guarding 76ers center Joel Embiid.
“If we’re legal defensively, we’ve gotta have a call, or we don’t have a chance. Nobody can guard [Embiid] if they’re gonna let him run you over.”
In Monday's press conference, Nurse also said his team has to match Philadelphia's physicality in Game 2. He added that there are ways to do that “within the confines of the game.”
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The Raptors head into Game 2 shorthanded. Scottie Barnes has been ruled out, and Thaddeus Young and Gary Trent Jr. are doubtful. All three suffered injuries in Game 1. Nick Nurse may be trying anything he can to get his team an advantage. Even getting after the refs before the opening tip.
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