Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Sixers faced the LA Clippers, and everyone anticipated some fireworks given James Harden’s much-publicized feud with Daryl Morey. The fans were not disappointed, as there was a ton of late drama, but not surrounding James Harden.
In the closing stages of the game, a specific moment became the talking point, and the chaotic aftermath since then has gone viral on social media. The main characters in the drama were Sixers guard Kelly Oubre Jr., who made his feelings known in the most unsavory manner possible.
Kelly Oubre Jr., Nick Nurse left fuming after controversial end to Clippers vs Sixers
In the dying moments of the game, Sixers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. drove towards the rim with a bulldozing run. Just as Kelly was about to convert his shot, Kawhi Leonard blocked it, leaving the crowd in anticipation. The buzzer sounded with this action, and the Clippers clinched the nail-biting game with a 108-107 score.
However, the drama did not end there. A furious Nick Nurse rushed to the court to confront the refs and could have done much worse if team personnel had not held him back. Oubre Jr., who was sitting on the floor in disbelief, sprang into action and burst out in a profane manner.
Kelly Oubre Jr. and Nick Nurse had words for the officials after the loss vs. the Clippers 😳 pic.twitter.com/Ksp3iSv7cp
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 28, 2024
It didn’t require an expert lip reader to discern that the 28-year-old was shouting at the refs, calling them “b**ch”. The Sixers’ camp felt there was a foul on Kelly by Paul George leading up to the Kawhi Leonard block, hence the outrage.
After the dust settled and everyone regained composure, a thorough autopsy of the situation was conducted, and the officials addressed the controversy after the game.
NBA refs admit missed foul call on Kelly Oubre Jr.
The footage of the controversial moment understandably came under scrutiny in post-game inspection. Regarding that the crew chief Kevin Scott said, “On the last play on the floor, in real time the crew interpreted that play as the defender jumping vertically. However, in post-game video review we did observe some slight drift to his left by the defender George, and a foul should have been ruled.”
Adding to it, he also clarified about Kelly Aubre Jr.’s complaint about Kawhi Leonard in a separate play. “Leonard was in a legal guarding position,” said the NBA ref.
NBA referees admit Kelly Oubre Jr. was fouled at the end of the 1-point 76ers loss against the Clippers tonight, per @PompeyOnSixers. pic.twitter.com/iHUsNazRwb
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 28, 2024
In a post-game interview Kelly Aubre Jr. was also seen in an apologetic manner. Speaking to the media he said, “I want to apologize for just losing my cool, because that’s something I try to work on each and every day, and try to represent God in the best way I possibly can, and that wasn’t it. I just ask for forgiveness.”
Knowing there will be consequences for his unhinged reaction, the Sixers’ number 9 added, “It wasn’t cool, so I’ll take whatever penalties come with that.” NBA previously handed hefty fines to players and coaches for profane outburst towards the official and Kelly Aubre Jr. could soon join that list.
A win here could have taken the Sixers closer to the final playoff spot but the defeat keeps them at the 8th position in the Eastern Conference. The Clippers on the other hand can take heart from the grinding result as they are set for a post-season run to prove their doubters wrong.
