Fred Hoiberg Rips Refs For Not Calling Travels On Isaiah Thomas

Photo Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Fred Hoiberg Rips Refs For Not Calling Travels On Isaiah Thomas

 

Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas had an excellent game last night. He finished with 33 points and 7 assists and was the key player in the Celtics’ win.

But, if we believe Chicago Bulls head coach According Fred Hoiberg, Isaiah Thomas was only able to have such a great game, because the referees missed calling travels on him.

During his post game press conference Hoiberg first praised Thomas, then criticized the referees:

 

“Let me say this; Isaiah Thomas is a helluva player. An unbelievable competitor. He’s a warrior — everything he’s going through right now, he had a helluva game tonight. But when you’re allowed to discontinue your dribble on every possession, he is impossible to guard. He’s impossible to guard. When you’re able to put your hand underneath the ball, and take two or three steps and put it back down, it’s impossible to guard him in those situations.”

 

 

During his post game press conference, Thomas was asked about his response to Hoiberg’s criticism after the game. He more or less laughed it off saying that he’s been dribbleing like that his whole life.

 

 

When asked how often he was called for it, Thomas said that he couldn’t recall being called for it one time this season. ESPN’s Chris Herring checked, and found out that Isaiah has been called for carrying 3 times this season.

 

 

In the end, this all is a tactic, probably even mindgames. When Memphis Grizzlies coach Fizdale complained about not getting enough calls, the Grizzlies got more calls in their favor the next two games, and if Thomas gets just one carry called on him in game 5 or 6, Hoiberg was ‘tactically’ right to address that issue.

 

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