“It was a push-off!” – Doc Rivers YELLS in post-game interview, claims refs’ no-call on Jayson Tatum could be a game-decider
Doc Rivers frustrated over critical missed call in 76ers' Game 4 win over Celtics
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The Philadelphia 76ers managed to secure a thrilling overtime victory against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series on Sunday. However, the win was marred by what 76ers head coach Doc Rivers deemed a critical missed call by the officials.
With under a minute remaining in overtime and Philadelphia holding a one-point lead, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum received a pass from Marcus Smart, dribbled into Tyrese Maxey, and stepped behind the three-point line for a go-ahead shot. Tatum appeared to push off Maxey with his right arm, but the referee on the sideline did not call an offensive foul.
Doc Rivers was vocal in his frustration over the no-call during his postgame press conference, describing it as “awful” and highlighting the inconsistency he saw in the officiating down the stretch. He argued that if the officials were calling “touch fouls” late in the game, then Tatum’s push-off should have been called as well.
“It was a push-off,” Rivers said. “The reason that it bugged me is because, at the end of the game, there are these touch fouls. Jayson Tatum has a 360 foul. Marcus Smart and [P.J. Tucker] get tangled up, touch foul. So, if we’re gonna call it that way, then you have to call that.”
Doc Rivers added:
“To me, you’ve gotta call that play. I know it’s a big play, and I’m a big fan of refs not deciding [games]. But that could have decided the game.”
Fortunately for the 76ers, they were able to react on the following possession, as Joel Embiid connected with James Harden for an important corner three-pointer that gave Philadelphia the lead once again. The 76ers hung on for a significant victory as the Celtics were unable to make a basket before the clock ran out.
Outlook for Game 5 of Celtics vs. 76ers Playoff Series
As the series returns to Boston for Game 5, the missed call in Game 4 is likely to be a source of dispute between the two teams. The Celtics will look back on Game 4 with sadness for the lost chances they had to take control of the series but were unable to do so.
Marcus Smart contributed 21 points, seven assists, and three rebounds, Tatum’s impressive performance, which included 24 points and 18 rebounds. On the other hand, the 76ers will be motivated by their resilience in a key game. With 42 points and 8 rebounds, Harden took the lead. Embiid contributed with 34 points and 13 rebounds.
As the series moves forward, both teams will be looking to gain an advantage and take control. The 76ers will be hoping that their Game 4 victory gives them momentum and confidence heading into Game 5, while the Celtics will be looking to bounce back and take a series lead on their home court.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)