On Thursday night, NBA fans finally got the scary-good version of the Cleveland Cavaliers they'd been waiting for all season. But LeBron James and co.'s dominating 105-94 win was overshadowed by the Los Angeles Clippers' immaturity on the court and anger during the post-game interview process. While many players were upset (the Clips picked up five total technical fouls), star point guard Chris Paul went past general criticism of the officials to single out rookie ref, Lauren Holtkamp.
Paul, who doubles as the head of the players' association, was particularly chafed by a technical foul called during the third quarter when he tried to inbound the ball too quickly.
"I think we have to show better composure, but at the same time some of [the technical fouls] were ridiculous," Paul told ESPN. "The tech that I get right there was ridiculous. I don't care what nobody says, I don't care what she says; that's terrible. There's no way that can be a tech. We try to get the ball out fast every time down the court, and when we did that, she said, 'Uh-uh.' I said, 'Why, uh-uh?' And she gave me a tech.
"That's ridiculous. If that's the case, this might not be for her."
Paul's remarks are officially under review by the league, but not because Holtkamp is a woman -- it's normal procedure for the NBA to review any criticism of the referees, with small fines usually sufficing as punishment.
Still, the star's words have gained national attention due to the fact that Holtkamp is one of two active female NBA refs (not to mention one of only three in the history of the league) and Paul questioned whether she belongs.
When it comes to behaving, the Clippers are far from the league's model of excellence. They lead the NBA 58 technical fouls during the 2014-2015 season, and even head coach Doc Rivers picked up a "T" during the first quarter on Thursday.
Forward Matt Barnes collected two technicals during the game -- resulting in an ejection -- and big man DeAndre Jordan also had a bone to pick with Holtkamp after a third-quarter tech.
"I guess she thought I was talking to her," Jordan said. "We talked about it. She said that she thought I was talking to her. She made a call and I talked to the other refs and they disagreed with it. Hopefully it will be rescinded. We'll see."
Here are Paul's remarks from last night:
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