On May 2, Beijing time, the Warriors narrowly defeated the Grizzlies 117-116 away, leading 1-0 on aggregate. During the game, the referee's decision caused heated discussion, many fans believe that the referee is too biased in favor of the Grizzlies who play at home, and the Warriors are fighting in 5v8, especially the dream of being expelled in the first half, which is not a small controversy. Many journalists and NBA players thought the penalty was too heavy.
1 minute and 18 seconds before the end of the first half, Dream chased Clark in the air while defending, and slow motion showed that Dream chased Clark's jersey, so Clark fell to the floor, and Dream also had an attempt to protect. However, the referee was replayed or upgraded to a second-degree malicious foul, expelling the dream chaser.
After the match, the on-duty referee Kane Fitzgerald explained the reason for the decision .
Question: Why is the foul of chasing dreams considered a second-degree malicious foul?
Kane Fitzgerald: Because overall, that contact was unnecessary and excessive, which led to a second-degree malicious foul and deportation.
Question: What do you see that makes this punishment a second-degree malice, not a first-degree malice?
Kane Fitzgerald: Well, there are a couple of places. The first is his upward movements, with a noticeable contact with his face, then grabbing his jersey and throwing the man to the floor. This action is unnecessary and excessive, especially for players who are still in the air, and can easily lead to injury. That's why a second-degree offender is given.
It is worth mentioning that according to the Warriors reporter, Green ran to the sideline to explain to Kerr when the referee gave a second-degree malicious foul: "My hand is stuck by the jersey!" Subsequently, he gave the same explanation to the referee, but the referee ignored it. Dream played 17 minutes before leaving the game, with 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block, but also made 5 turnovers.
After the game, Dream hugged every player and coach in the players' tunnel and congratulated them on winning this crucial victory.