Nuggets: Takeaways vs. Spurs
“…at some point our team will get the respect (from officials) that we deserve. Because right now we’re not getting it.” ~ Coach Michael Malone in postgame interview with Harrison Wind (via Twitter @HarrisonWind).
“…Bullsh*t.” ~ Gregg Popovich, walking by the Harrison Wind interview (via Twitter @HarrisonWind)
This exchange is a perfect example of the disparity the Nuggets face night-in and night-out. They are in that in-between space, talented enough to beat good NBA teams but not long or consistently enough to get the benefit of the doubt from NBA officials.
Denver Nuggets
Coach Gregg Popovich has been working officials for 22 years, his commentary has weight, even if it was meant lightheartedly. The Nuggets question disrespect from the officials, the League responds with “B.S.”
While I’m generally not one to lay the success or failure of an NBA game to mistakes on the officiating, the Nuggets to get conspicuously overlooked. Last night was an exception, even to the general disparity facing the young Nuggets squad. In one stretch late in the fourth quarter, Michael Malone and Jamal Murray were whistled for technical fouls. Malone, apparently for clapping and Murray for asking about a call. Tony Brothers appeared to have an axe to grind with the Nuggets and the stretch saw three questionable offensive fouls called on Nikola Jokic, that fouled him out of the game.
In the NBA, the difference between an MVP-candidate superstar like James Harden and a talented but overlooked player like Gary Harris can be free throw attempts. Harden averages an absurd 9.96 free throw attempts per game, Gary Harris averages 2.4. If you take the 7.56 attempt difference times Harris’ 82.6 free throw percentage, you get 6.25 points. Added to Gary’s season average of 17.6, his point production would increase to 23.9 which would be the 15th highest P.P.G. total in the League for the 2017-18 season.
It’s beyond perception, there are hard numbers to support that often, players like Harden are manufactured, numbers inflated by favorable treatment by NBA officiating. It’s not mysterious, everyone has always known but there is a chicken-egg component to the question. Does the league manufacture superstars or do superstars earn the preferential treatment?
One thing is for sure, the Denver Nuggets have not had a referee darling since Carmelo Anthony left the building. Perhaps The Core will begin to get some love but if last night’s contest was any indication, we have a long way to go.