Despite being at home, the Rockets attempted 11 fewer free throws than San Antonio in Saturday’s narrow loss. After Houston briefly took control of the game with less than 4:00 left in the fourth quarter, Spurs scored the next six points on the foul line to retire.
In post-game comments, veteran goalie John Wall – who led the Rockets with 27 points (52.6% FG) and 7 assists in 32 minutes – made it clear that he was extremely frustrated by numerous calls.
When asked post-game about the late whistles in Saturday’s game against the Rockets, Wall replied:
I do not know why. I know I’ll probably get fined for that, but the referees are just incredible. We are a team with guys who drive a lot to the basket and we always get excuses for not getting the same calls that other guys get.
The boys drive, every time we hit or drag them down, they get every call. I feel like we have guys who go to bed enough between me, Vic, EG, who drive and don’t get the same calls. It’s kind of frustrating, but because we miss the light photos we normally get, and some guys get calls they probably shouldn’t.
The full video of Wall’s post-game interview can be viewed below. Despite back spasms, Wall absorbed significant contact on his rims on Saturday as he tried to lead his Rockets (11-11) to victory. It was only Houston’s second loss in nine games.
The officials for Saturday’s game were David Guthrie, Mitchell Ervin and Suyash Mehta. It remains to be seen whether the NBA will fine Wall on Sunday for his comments, as they often do for public criticism of officials.