NFL Greats Loved Basketball Coming to Life After Officials ‘Hold Their Whistle’ in Game 6

Shannon Sharpe praised the officiating in Game 6 between the Spurs and Thunder.

NFL Greats Loved Basketball Coming to Life After Officials ‘Hold Their Whistle’ in Game 6

Shannon Sharpe on Spurs vs Thunder (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson praised referees for allowing more physical play in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals.
  • The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-91, tying the series 3-3.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with only 15 points and three free throw attempts in Game 6 after a high free throw count in Game 5.

NFL legends Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson were delighted after watching Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. Unlike in Game 5, where the Thunder shot 38 free throws, they were restricted to just 12 free throw attempts on Thursday night.

The Thunder-Spurs matchup is certainly living up to the hype. With their backs against the wall, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs stepped up to the task and secured a convincing 118-91 victory over the defending champions at the Frost Bank Center.

After the game, Sharpe appreciated the referees for how they held the whistle and did not blow it every time Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was touched.

You see the difference when every time Shai looking at somebody, they blow the whistle. You see the difference when he is shooting 3 to 4 free throws. He gonna shoot a shot and fall. Shai is going to sell everything.

Shannon Sharpe on Nightcap

Shannon Sharpe was critical of the officiating after Game 5. The referees have come under severe criticism during the playoffs this year, especially in games involving the Thunder.

Over the last two years, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as one of the best players in the world. But at the same time, he has been under the microscope for his constant flopping and foul-baiting antics. The constant calls in his favor have been severely amplified during these playoffs.

After shooting 17 free throws in Game 5, SGA had just three free throws in Game 6. Hence, the reigning MVP scored just 15 points on Thursday night. It was his third game in this year’s playoffs, where he scored less than 20 points.

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Chad Johnson says that the referees held their whistle in Game 6

The Thunder were completely blown away in Game 6, and one of the main reasons for it was their low free-throw attempts. The referees have been under scrutiny during these playoffs, and Stephon Castle even slammed them for letting the Thunder get away with a lot of calls and no-calls in their favor.

Former NFL star Chad Johnson said that referees let play continue more often than not in Game 6.

As physical as the game was, the referee held the whistle a little bit. The refs let them play ball. The game of basketball is physical. The game of basketball in the playoffs is even that much more physical. Unless the fouls were egregious and you had no choice but to call it.

Chad Johnson on Nightcap

It appears that the referees have finally moved on from the Thunder’s antics. While the Thunder were not breaking any rules, they were using it to the best of their advantage. It remains to be seen whether the referees stay consistent in Game 7.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranked Spurs as one of the toughest teams he has faced

The Thunder were the best team in the regular season this year. They finished at the top of the Western Conference standings with a 64-18 record. Out of their 18 losses, three came against the Spurs.

Similarly, the Thunder clean swept the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers in the first rounds of the playoffs, but now find themselves heading into a Game 7 against the Spurs. It is clear that the Spurs are proving to be the defending champions’ biggest threat this season.

Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image credits – Bleacher Report/X)

After the game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranked the Spurs as one of the toughest opponents he has ever faced.

I don’t know. They’re up there for sure. Indiana and Denver were pretty tough. Taking us to Game 7 is probably the common denominator with those groups. But they’re a very tough team, a really good team.

The Thunder will have the advantage of playing Game 7 at home. To add to it, they will also have more experience being in this situation. However, the Spurs have been fearless despite their lack of playoff experience. Game 7 promises to be an enthralling game.

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