Joey Crawford is one of the most – if not the most – animated referees in the game. On Tuesday, his antics in overtime may have helped cost the Oklahoma City Thunder Game 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies:
With 27.5 seconds remaining in the game and about to take his second free throw to tie the game, Kevin Durant was abruptly interrupted by Crawford as seen above. The reason for Crawford’s sudden course of action to prevent Durant from shooting his all-important free throw was to make sure that the scoreboard reflected that both teams were in the bonus.
Really?
That Crawford couldn’t wait until after the free throw to correct the mistake is absolutely mind boggling. This is also not the first time he got in the way of a player trying to convert a basket, as seen here (Stephen Curry missed the shot). Durant ended up missing the free throw, and the Thunder lost in heartbreaking fashion 100-99.
Here’s some incredible irony about Crawford wanting everything to look so perfect on the scoreboard: Serge Ibaka attempted to put back Durant’s 3-point shot with 2.9 seconds remaining in the game clock and actually converted, but he was about one tenth of a second too late. As it turns out, the Thunder should actually have had three seconds remaining on the clock, courtesy of Jason Damiano:
Plenty around the league saw Crawford’s nutty interruption and reacted accordingly:
Scott Brooks on Joey Crawford taking the ball away: “It was an awkward situation. I’ll say that.” — Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 30, 2014
I have a feeling #JoeyCrawford will be trending tonight! #WhatTheHellWasThat — Greg Anthony (@GregAnthony50) April 30, 2014
I hope buddy has an explanation on why he iced buddy out?!?!?
— Ekpe Udoh (@EkpeUdoh) April 30, 2014
One of the best close outs of the series was Joey on that FT…
— Brent Barry (@Barryathree) April 30, 2014
Let’s blame Russell for Durant missing that free throw
— Dan Le Batard Show (@LeBatardShow) April 30, 2014
Brutal delay for KD at the line, shoot first correct later…
— Brent Barry (@Barryathree) April 30, 2014
Durant, by the way, seemingly rushed his game-winner attempt with 2.9 seconds remaining in the game. Former player Jay Williams couldn’t help but vent about it:
Why would Kevin Durant take that kind of shot with 2.9 secs left????? Big big fan of KD but you have to get a better shot after a TO.
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) April 30, 2014
This one was a true heart-breaker for the Thunder, who now face elimination on the road in Game 6.
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James Park is the chief blogger of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.