Chris Paul’s unceremonious ejection in the first half was the prevailing story of the Warriors’ 123-115 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
After the game, Steph Curry detailed what bothered him about the conversation between his Warriors teammate and NBA referee Scott Foster, citing the two’s well-documented history.
“I mean, I think we were down double digits already. Obviously we need to.” [Chris Paul] “And his leadership and the way he runs the game,” Curry told reporters after Wednesday’s loss. [Paul] We’ve talked about that, but when both the player and the referee are engaged in a conversation, it should stay the same. I told Scott [Foster] This was after he expelled him.
“It’s like… there are certain situations where players overstep; it happens a lot. There are times when you know you have to step back, but when they’re both reacting, I don’t like it. That’s the part that spoiled me the most.” Just like two men talking, speaking their truths. Let’s just play basketball.”
Steve Kerr was disappointed with Foster’s decision to fire Paul, showing obvious frustration that led to the Warriors coach also receiving a technical foul.
Kerr then explained why he strongly disagreed with Foster’s decision to sack Paul.
“Well, I didn’t think Chris deserved to be sent off,” Kerr told reporters. “The first technique, sure. But I thought the second technique was unnecessary. I mean, everyone’s getting frustrated out there. But it’s up to the official.”
Kerr then shared Foster’s reasons for assessing Paul with a second technical foul which resulted in an automatic sending off.
“I think Scott felt like Chris didn’t stop and kept going, so that’s why he gave him the second one,” Kerr said. “And that was his explanation.”
For a Warriors team already missing Draymond Green, losing Paul dramatically reduces its chances of leaving the Arizona desert with a win. Curry’s Warriors struggled to find a consistent rhythm throughout the game, spending most of the second half facing a double-digit deficit before a late hit from Golden State’s bench unit cut Phoenix’s lead to single digits.
After the emotionally charged loss, the Warriors will quickly turn their focus to Friday night’s NBA In-Season matchup with the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center.
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