“Adam Silver was never gonna let the light skin get eliminated at home” – Rare foul call on LeBron James has NBA Twitter CONVINCED Game 5 was rigged
Golden State Warriors win Game 5 to make series 3-2
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LeBron James confused after a foul call (Image via Sports Illustrated)
The Golden State Warriors have their back against the wall in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Heading into the Game 5 the Los Angeles Lakers had a 3-1 series lead. However, the Warriors have played really well at home. As the Lakers are just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals, the Warriors needed to win at home at all costs. LeBron James and Co. on the other hand, are favourites to win at this moment.
The defending champions hosted the Lakers with a clear objective in mind. In a game that was expected to have a strong fight by the Warriors, the first quarter had a rather interesting moment. LeBron James was on a post-up against Andrew Wiggins and was trying to inch closer to the basket. This is when the whistle blew against the veteran forward. As revealed later, James was in violation of the five-second rule.
In the NBA, a player in the front court, below the free throw line extended, is not permitted to dribble the ball with his back or side to the basket for more than five seconds. However, players are very rarely called out in violation of this rule. In fact, James’ rule violation was the very first one in the entire 2022-23 NBA season.
The Golden State Warriors, on the other hand, have managed to keep their season alive. Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins were the top scorers as they put up 27 and 25 points respectively. For the Lakers, Anthony Davis and LeBron James put up 25 and 23 points. However, their contributions were not enough as the Warriors force Game 6. The score at the end of regulation is 106-121.
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NBA Twitter reacts to the rare call on LeBron James
The five-second rule is one of the rarest called fouls in the NBA. Even if players violate it, the referees aren’t known to call it out so easily. However, this wasn’t the first time LeBron James was called out for this foul in his career, either. Given the rarity of this foul, fans on Twitter are accusing the referees of being biased towards the Warriors. At the same time, many are also calling out NBA Commissioner Adam Silver following the call on James. Here are some reactions.
Irrespective of the accusations on social media, the Warriors came out in Game 5 with a rare team effort. With the series at 3-2, both teams will go to Los Angeles for Game 6. While James and Co. will look to defend home court and seal the series, Golden State will want to force Game 7.
The Lakers have had an authoritative record playing at home. They’ve won six out of six games in this postseason. Statistically, the odds are against the defending champions. However, Curry and the Warriors have been known to have the hunger and drive to win. Therefore, undoubtedly, we can expect a very charged-up and competitive Game 6 in LA.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)