First to the Floor: LeBron James’ temper tantrum

On this episode, Jake and I take a look at the stretch run earlier than the All-Star break and talk about the 53-minute panic assault that was the latest iteration of Celtics vs. Lakers. I need to make one factor clear concerning the elephant within the room: on LeBron’s potential game-winning layup, Tatum fouled him. I additionally need to make one factor clear: you aren’t particular, LeBron (nicely you’re, however not on this very explicit occasion). This occurs. All. The. Time.

In actual fact, it’s occurred to the Celtics twice this season. Let me take you again to one of many extra painful losses this yr. It’s November 2nd, the C’s are recent off an time beyond regulation loss to the Cavs. They’re enjoying, you guessed it, the Cavs once more. It’s 107-105 in favor of the Cavs. Joe Mazzulla attracts up this great thing about a play for the tie.

Troublesome to inform from that angle, however the replay reveals fairly clearly that Jarrett Allen hammered Tatum throughout the pinnacle. It nearly actually ought to have been an and-1, which might have received the sport for the Celtics assuming Tatum connects on the free throw and nonetheless locks up Mitchell on the opposite finish. Celtics find yourself shedding, and extra importantly, zero on courtroom mood tantrums thrown.

Actually the sport earlier than the Lakers win towards the Knicks, Tatum fires up a doubtlessly game-winning midrange jumper that misses. Robert Williams snags the rebound and will get hit on the arm by Jericho Sims. Would have put Rob on the road the place he simply wants 1 to win. No name. Rob Williams engages in a semi-disappointed clap to point out his frustration.

Keep in mind Recreation 6 towards the Raptors within the bubble playoffs? A number of missed calls, together with Kemba getting hammered on the potential sport profitable layup (additionally, Nick Nurse recognizing up for a nook 3).

There’s a standard idiom in basketball that the refs “put their whistles away on the ultimate possession.” That’s usually true. They typically let much more contact go within the closing few possessions of a sport. It’s a actuality of the NBA, one which LeBron has benefitted from and one which has price the Celtics as lately because the earlier sport. Sooner or later, there’s a line the place the contact is so egregious that the refs haven’t any alternative however to name it.

Perhaps Tatum’s foul crossed that line. It was actually a foul by the letter of the regulation. No matter why it wasn’t referred to as or the way it was missed, these items occur to each group all through the course of a season. It’s a actuality of the sport, even when it’s one we hope robotic refs will repair. Sorry, LeBron, however perhaps it’s best to have received in time beyond regulation.

Truly, you recognize what? I’m not sorry. Tatum acquired all ball.

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