The San Antonio Spurs have leveled sharp criticism at the referees following their loss in Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Stephon Castle and Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, in particular, were frustrated after several controversial calls.
After the San Antonio Spurs’ 114-127 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, Stephon Castle vented his frustration. The guard criticized the referees’ inconsistent calls.
“With the way they defend and how physically they’re allowed to play, we don’t always get that luxury on the other end,” Castle explained after the game. He was referring to the Thunder’s aggressive defense and several calls made throughout the game.
Castle himself put up a strong 24 points, but the Spurs struggled offensively overall. San Antonio shot just around 40 percent from the field, and Victor Wembanyama was held to a mere 4-for-15 from the field.
Free throws and goaltending cause frustration
Things got heated in the third quarter following a controversial play involving a possible goaltending call. After a floater by De’Aaron Fox, Luke Kornet went for the putback before Cason Wallace blocked the ball right at the rim.
The Spurs immediately called for goaltending but did not get the call. Coach Mitch Johnson even attempted to call a challenge afterward, but to no avail. “They just said they didn’t see it,” Johnson explained after the game. The coach was subsequently called for a technical foul after the referees ignored his challenge request.
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Thunder take control of the series
Overall, the game turned into a real free-throw festival. Oklahoma City made 33 of its 38 free throws, while San Antonio made 28 of 32 attempts. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander alone went to the line 16 times and scored 32 points.
With the win, the Thunder now lead the series 3-2 and are just one victory away from advancing to the NBA Finals once again. For the Spurs, Game 6 is about avoiding an early exit from the playoffs.
