LeBron James was livid after the Lakers squandered a massive lead and fell to the Nuggets in Game 2. While the blown lead, his missed clutch shot, and the game-winning buzzer-beater were frustrating, James’ real anger was directed elsewhere.
He blasted the NBA’s replay center, particularly a call where a foul on Michael Porter Jr. was overturned despite clear contact with D’Angelo Russell. James questioned the purpose of replay if such calls weren’t overturned.
This frustration was evident in his unusually brief post-game interview. He acknowledged his missed three-pointer that could have won the game but remained fixated on the controversial call.
After the game, James didn’t mince words:
Regarding Denver’s comeback, despite being outscored 32-20 in the fourth quarter: “We had good looks but just couldn’t convert. They capitalized on their opportunities.”
On Russell’s impressive performance with seven 3-pointers, following a 1-for-9 start in the series opener: “We always believed in Russell. That’s just who he is.”
When asked about carrying anything from this game into Game 3 in Los Angeles: “Every game presents its own set of challenges.”
On the difficulties following a tough loss: “It’s always tough to lose in that manner.”
James then shifted to his frustrations with the replay center. During the game, there was a moment where Murray was initially called for a foul as James drove to the basket, but the Nuggets successfully challenged, resulting in the foul being overturned.
In his critique of the replay center, James referenced Monday’s game, where the New York Knicks staged a late rally to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 104-101. The Knicks took the lead with a crucial 3-pointer from Donte DiVincenzo with 13 seconds left, a possession that began with a steal from Tyrese Maxey. Joel Embiid claimed Maxey was fouled, and mentioned that coach Nick Nurse and some players had tried to call a timeout before the Knicks gained possession.