Warriors' Shocking Victory: 3 Controversial Ref Calls Exposed—Did They Steal the Win?

The Golden State Warriors secured a hard-fought victory over the Phoenix Suns on December 20, winning 119-116 and breaking a three-game losing streak. The game was intense and not without controversy, as it featured three significant officiating errors in the closing minutes that could have changed the outcome. Led by star players Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Will Richard, the Warriors demonstrated resilience in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats.

According to the NBA’s Last Two Minute (L2M) report, the first crucial officiating mistake occurred with less than a minute left on the clock. The Warriors were leading 115-110 when Devin Booker drove to the basket. The referee called a foul on Trayce Jackson-Davis, but the report later classified this as a missed call since Jackson-Davis had jumped vertically without making contact with Booker.

In a nail-biting finish, the last two mistakes took place in the final seconds. After Curry successfully made a layup, he was not awarded a foul on a play involving Booker, an omission that should have sent Curry to the free-throw line. This missed call could have sealed the game for the Warriors. With just 5.7 seconds remaining, the Suns had a chance to tie the game with a three-pointer. However, a careless pass from Collin Gillespie led to a turnover, as he failed to recognize that the ball had crossed the half-court line, a situation that should have resulted in a backcourt violation against the Suns.

Fortunately for Golden State, the Suns missed their last shot attempt from beyond the arc, allowing the Warriors to escape with a narrow win. The contributions from Curry, Butler, and Richard were pivotal. Curry finished with impressive stats: 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Butler added 25 points and 2 assists, while Richard, making his return after three consecutive games without play, stepped up remarkably, scoring 20 points and securing 5 rebounds off the bench. His remarkable shooting performance included going 6-for-7 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range, proving crucial after Draymond Green was ejected early in the second quarter.

The Warriors Eye Trade Options

Looking ahead, the Warriors are poised to be active in the trade market as the February deadline approaches. NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that Golden State is particularly interested in acquiring an athletic center. Potential trade targets include Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets, Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks, and Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers.

A likely trade candidate from the Warriors' side is Jonathan Kuminga, a player who has been at the center of trade discussions since the offseason. Kuminga is viewed as one of the team's best trade assets, as noted by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. However, he isn't eligible to be traded until January 15, which may limit the Warriors' immediate options. Nonetheless, Kuminga's name has been floated in rumors linking him to several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, and the Suns.

As the Warriors navigate the season, this victory over the Suns serves as a reminder of their potential and the challenges they face, both on and off the court. With upcoming trade discussions and the performance of key players, fans remain hopeful for a successful season ahead.