Garnett, Rivers Unhappy With Some Game 3 Calls

by Tzvi Twersky

The question directed towards Doc Rivers was an innocent one. The question asked to Kevin Garnett was more pointed. Regardless, both responded in ways that made clear their unhappiness with the refereeing in Game 3.

“You know, every single game so far we’ve had one of our top players in foul trouble,” said Doc Rivers in his postgame press conference. “Maybe I should start complaining about fouls. Maybe I can get a turnaround like it was turned around tonight. That was amazing.”

Doc was refering to Game 2, where Ron Artest fouled out, Lamar Odom was called for five fouls and Andrew Bynum and Kobe Bryant were also tagged with five apiece.

In Game 3, Derek Fisher was called for five fouls and every other L.A starter finished with two. Meanwhile, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett each collected five fouls–none bigger than the illegal screen Garnett was whistled for setting with less than a minute remaining–and Rasheed Wallace and Rajon Rondo finished with four each.

“It is what it is,” said Garnett in his presser, answering a question about a possible blown call late in the game. “Because of the League fines and all the other–you know, the gag order–I choose not to comment on that.”

Interestingly enough, each team shot 24 free throws in the game.