Rockets’ Eric Gordon reacts to NBA ruling he was fouled on crucial play late in Game 3 vs. Thunder

The Houston Rockets were not pleased with the officiating crew following Saturday’s Game 3 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

A number of whistles determined key possessions both towards the end of the fourth quarter and into overtime.

One of these involved a Rockets turnover on an inbounds pass with 24 seconds to go. Rockets forward P.J. Tucker attempted to get the ball to Eric Gordon, but Thunder defenders made contact with the veteran guard, resulting in the turnover.

Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni demanded a second look, but the ruling on the floor stood after replay review.

The Thunder took the lead on the ensuing possession, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hitting a clutch three from the corner. Houston tied the game on a Danuel House free throw, but OKC pulled out the win in overtime.

The NBA revealed Sunday Gordon was indeed fouled on the aforementioned inbounds pass. But Gordon would prefer not to talk about the ruling.

Eric Gordon on NBA ruling: “I hate to even talk about that. Because as strong as I am, ain’t nobody going to throw me to the ground… Just got to move on.” https://t.co/cVqJxVbVgE

— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) August 23, 2020

Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni grew livid in overtime when Chris Paul apparently elbowed Ben McLemore in the groin (via Logan Newman of USA TODAY):

“I asked the referee to just go over and review it. He might have been right. I didn’t have it clear, but I know my guy got hit in a bad place with an elbow, so go look at it,” D’Antoni said.

“If you’re right, you’re right. So be it. But it’s not like in the bubble, we have — must be entertainment going on somewhere, because what else do we have to do but just go over and look at it, come back and play basketball?”

D’Antoni was screaming at the refs on the sideline, and eventually assessed a technical foul in the closing minutes.

Houston’s head coach was also irate as he walked off the floor, mouthing “bulls–t” as he headed to the locker room.

The Rockets might have reason to be frustrated with the refereeing, but they know they have to focus on the task ahead with the Thunder back in the series.

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