The Philadelphia 76ers earned a 116-115 overtime win over the Boston Celtics. If they didn’t even the series with a Game 4 triumph, NBA viewers would have been apoplectic over Sunday’s officiating.
With the game tied in the fourth quarter’s final minute, PJ Tucker got called for pushing off Marcus Smart. The Celtics guard may have embellished the contact by falling to the ground.
However, Jayson Tatum got away with a more forceful push before making a key shot in overtime. Joel Embiid also got called for a critical charge that the refs upheld after Doc Rivers challenged.
Although Philadelphia prevailed, fans griped over some questionable late calls that went Boston’s way at TD Garden.
“How do the refs reward this kind of flop in a 105-105 game,” MSG’s Alex Monaco asked. “I mean what are we doin?!
How do the refs reward this kind of flop in a 105-105 game I mean what are we doin?! #Sixers #Celtics pic.twitter.com/fbDncZz3wM
— Alex Monaco (@Alex__Monaco) May 7, 2023
Tatum can do a push off with no call?? Refs are insane today,” a fan claimed.
Tatum can do a push off with no call?? Refs are insane today
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) May 7, 2023
“You can’t tell me both Embiid deserved a charge and Tatum didn’t deserve a push off call,” Bleeding Green Nation’s Brandon Lee Gowton said. “Be consistent.”
You can’t tell me both Embiid deserved a charge and Tatum didn’t deserve a push off call. Be consistent.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 7, 2023
“Refs did everything late to give that game to the Celtics,” a fan asserted. “Sixers somehow survived.”
Refs did everything late to give that game to the Celtics. Sixers somehow survived
— Craig Snyder (@Stewburtx8) May 7, 2023
“Sixers beat the Celtics and refs in OT,” another fan claimed.
Sixers beat the Celtics and refs in OT.
— Javier Cabrera (@JaCabrera24) May 7, 2023
The 76ers won behind another throwback performance from James Harden, who finished with 42 points after draining a game-winning three with 18.2 seconds remaining. He’s provided over 40 points and the go-ahead bucket in each 76ers victory this series.
The series will stay in Boston for a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday night. Perhaps the 76ers will receive a more favorable whistle when returning to Philly for Game 6.