In a high-scoring showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Portland Trail Blazers, guard Ty Jerome found himself in hot water with the NBA after publicly criticizing the officiating. Jerome was fined $25,000 for his remarks, expressing frustration over the excessive number of fouls called during the game, with each team shooting an astonishing 35 free throws apiece. Despite his standout performance on the court, including 25 points, six assists, and six steals, Jerome's comments landed him in hot water with the league.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson also chimed in on the officiating debacle, agreeing that the game's flow was severely disrupted by the constant whistles. Atkinson acknowledged the challenges posed by the choppy nature of play and the impact it had on both the viewing experience for fans and the game's overall dynamics. While recognizing the professionalism of NBA referees, both Jerome and Atkinson voiced their concerns over the lack of consistency and control displayed during the matchup, highlighting the need for improvement in maintaining the integrity and excitement of the game.