"Absolutely Crazy": Adelman Condemns Referees After Jokić's Apparent Free-For-All In Game 6

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Post on May 04, 2025

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"Absolutely Crazy": Adelman Condemns Referees After Jokic's Apparent Free-For-All in Game 6

The Denver Nuggets' thrilling Game 6 victory over the Phoenix Suns was overshadowed by a controversial incident involving Nikola Jokic and a seemingly lenient officiating crew, prompting a furious outburst from Nuggets coach Mike Malone and a scathing assessment from legendary coach, and NBA analyst, Paul Westphal. Westphal, known for his calm demeanor, called the officiating "absolutely crazy," mirroring the sentiments of many fans and analysts.

The incident, which occurred late in the fourth quarter with the game hanging in the balance, saw Jokic involved in a heated exchange that escalated quickly. While the exact details remain disputed, video replays show a chaotic scramble involving Jokic and several Suns players, resulting in a series of fouls and technical fouls. However, many felt that the referees failed to adequately address what appeared to be a free-for-all, leading to outrage among Nuggets fans and a strong condemnation from their coaching staff.

Malone's Post-Game Tirade

Following the game, Malone voiced his displeasure, albeit diplomatically, criticizing the lack of consistency in officiating. He highlighted several instances where he felt Jokic was unfairly targeted, emphasizing the need for balanced officiating to ensure fair play. While he stopped short of directly accusing the referees of bias, his frustration was palpable, echoing the concerns of many who witnessed the game.

Westphal's Uncharacteristic Outburst

But it was Paul Westphal's reaction that truly captured the widespread sentiment. Known for his measured analysis, Westphal, speaking on ESPN, expressed his disbelief at the officiating, using the strong term "absolutely crazy" to describe what he witnessed. He pointed to several missed calls, arguing that the referees' failure to control the situation allowed the game to descend into chaos, potentially impacting the outcome.

Social Media Erupts

The incident immediately ignited a firestorm on social media. #NBAreffing and #Jokic became trending topics, with fans expressing a range of opinions, from outrage to disbelief. Many pointed to inconsistencies in foul calls throughout the series, arguing that the officiating hadn't been up to par.

Impact on the Series

The controversy raises questions about the impact of officiating on the outcome of the series. While the Nuggets ultimately secured a hard-fought victory, many believe that inconsistent refereeing could have swung the momentum in either direction, potentially affecting the final result. This adds another layer of complexity to an already intense playoff series.

Looking Ahead

The NBA is likely to review the officiating of Game 6, particularly the controversial incident involving Jokic. Any significant findings could have implications for future games, emphasizing the importance of consistency and fairness in officiating high-stakes playoff matchups. The league faces pressure to address concerns about officiating, not just for this series but for the integrity of the playoffs as a whole. The calls made, or not made, during this crucial game, will undoubtedly be dissected and debated for some time to come. The "absolutely crazy" assessment from Westphal serves as a stark reminder of the emotional stakes involved and the impact of officiating on the game’s narrative.