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Draymond laughs off Harden’s comment about fair officiating

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Oh, the irony.

James Harden seemed displeased with the officiating in Golden State’s 104-100 victory over Houston in Game 1 Sunday, despite him attempting 14 free throws. At halftime, the referees told Harden and the Rockets they missed four calls in the first half. Fast forward to the game’s final possession, and Harden shot a contested three to tie the game, but he missed. Chris Paul promptly got ejected, Stephen Curry hit the following free throw, and the Warriors won.

Here is the shot:

After the game, Harden seemed frustrated with the no-calls. The Rockets shot 29 free throws to the Warriors’ 27 in Game 1.

“What can I do about it? I was told the same thing at half, there were probably a couple more in the second half,” Harden said. “I just want a fair chance, man. Call the game the way it’s supposed to be called, and that’s it. I will live with the results, especially, we all know what happened a few years back with Kawhi (Leonard), like that can change an entire series. Just call the game how its supposed to be called, and we live with the results. It’s plain and simple.”

Harden referred to the ankle injury Leonard suffered in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Warriors two years ago. Leonard was injured on a similar play, twisting his ankle upon landing from a jump shot.

The irony of Harden’s comments is that he gets more calls than anyone in the NBA. He averages 10.8 free throws per game, the most in the league. Much of that, evidently, has to do with Harden’s skill at drawing fouls, but his propensity to actively search for foul calls has been met with criticism.

When Draymond Green was told about Harden’s response to the no-calls, the Warriors forward seemed bewildered.

“Huh?” Green said before letting out a long pause. “I have been fouled by James on a James three-pointer before. I ain’t trying to hear that. Nah, I ain’t going with that one. I’m straight.”