The recent game between the Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets was an exciting contest. Both teams displayed exceptional skills, but the outcome was decided in the closing moments. Fortunately for the Kings, they managed to maintain their composure and secured a 132-127 victory, thanks in large part to a late surge from De’Aaron Fox.
In the final thirty-three seconds, Fox succeeded in making five free throws, which propelled the Kings to their win. However, not every moment was uneventful. Among those free throw attempts, a couple sparked controversy. One poignant instance involved Dillon Brooks. As Fox charged towards the basket near the end of the game, Brooks effectively defended him, resulting in a crucial steal that set him up for a potential counterattack.
The refs continue to ruin this sport 💀 pic.twitter.com/wl42w2spxh
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) January 17, 2025
At that critical moment, however, the referee halted the game by calling a foul on Brooks, much to the dismay of fans and Brooks himself. As discontent grew, social media exploded with criticisms from viewers.
Basketball Community Critiques Ineffective Refereeing
Expressing their frustration, BricksCenter shared a post on X with the caption, “The Refs Continue To Ruin This Sport.” Fans resonated with that perspective in the comments.
One commentator wrote, “Another horrible call from these refs …nothing new.”
Another horrible call from these refs …nothing new 💀🤦🏻♂️
— George Tai (@George8644Tai) January 17, 2025
Another user remarked, “I don’t like Dillon, but that was not a foul.”
I don’t like Dillon, but that was not a foul.
— TSLAKRZ (@AndyKhauv) January 17, 2025
A third fan commented, “That’ll help viewership.”
That’ll help viewership.
— Football Dude (@Football_Dude84) January 17, 2025
Another fan shared a similar view, stating, “Yeah that was soft.”
The ref blows the whistle after Brooks steals it, smh dam near looks rigged. Also, these players keep flopping while the refs keep falling for it, the players are ruining the game as well.
— shelike$tyrique (@shelikestyrique) January 17, 2025
This user elaborated, saying, “The ref blows the whistle after Brooks steals it, smh dam near looks rigged. Also, these players keep flopping while the refs keep falling for it, the players are ruining the game as well.”
The ref blows the whistle after Brooks steals it, smh dam near looks rigged. Also, these players keep flopping while the refs keep falling for it, the players are ruining the game as well.
— shelike$tyrique (@shelikestyrique) January 17, 2025
Noticing that even the home crowd seemed puzzled, one user noted, “lol even the home crowd sounded confused.”
lol even the home crowd sounded confused
— jordan ✞ (@jjxrdann) January 17, 2025
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Finally, a user pointed out, “To make matters worse, they claimed the foul occurred before the inbound so they gave the Kings 1 FT + the ball back. The whistle cost the Rockets 3 points. They were down 4. Jalen Green comes down and hits a 3. Should’ve been tied at 127. Instead it was 127-128.”
To make matters worse, they claimed the foul occurred before the inbound so they gave the Kings 1 FT + the ball back. The whistle cost the Rockets 3 points. They were down 4. Jalen Green comes down and hits a 3. Should’ve been tied at 127. Instead it was 127-128.
— Hoops (@novaxnomask) January 17, 2025
It is evident that the referee’s call may have been questionable. With fans in an uproar, it remains to be seen if the Rockets will formally address this controversial decision.
Image Source:
Bradeaux @ X