The Dallas Mavericks suffered an unexpected setback against the Charlotte Hornets, falling 110-105 despite a stellar performance from Kyrie Irving. With multiple key players missing, the Mavs were expected to secure a win, but LaMelo Ball and his squad had other plans.
However, beyond the loss, what stood out was big man Daniel Gafford’s frustration with the officiating, particularly regarding the treatment of Kyrie Irving.
Gafford Criticizes Referees for Lack of Calls on Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving had a game-high 33 points, showcasing his signature smooth finishes around the rim. However, Gafford believes that the referees failed to give him the respect he deserves, saying:
“I wish they would respect him and give him a couple more calls under the basket. He’s a great finisher around the rim.”
Irving, like Stephen Curry, often faces challenges when driving into the paint. While big men typically receive foul calls for contact near the basket, guards like Kyrie often go unnoticed. Despite his ability to weave through defenders, the constant physicality takes a toll, and Gafford fears it could lead to an injury.
“He’s gonna end up getting hurt because of how many guys put him on the floor.”
This concern isn’t unfounded—earlier this month, Kyrie missed five consecutive games due to a lower back injury. A fan pointed this out, tweeting:
“Literally why he has back pain now.”
If officiating continues to overlook fouls on Irving, the Mavericks could be at risk of losing another key player, which would be disastrous given their already depleted roster.
Fans Compare Kyrie Irving’s Calls to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Frustrated fans also highlighted the stark contrast between how officials treat Irving compared to OKC Thunder’s superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA). One fan vented:
“The no-calls Kyrie was getting were just insane. You can’t even breathe on SGA.”
Statistically, the difference is glaring. This season, SGA has attempted 330 free throws, while Kyrie has only been to the line 126 times. This discrepancy is frustrating for Mavs fans, as one pointed out:
“Kyrie could average 35 if he got the calls he deserves.”
Interestingly, SGA himself recently claimed that he doesn’t need free throws to score, but the numbers show he gets plenty of opportunities at the line.
Kyrie Irving’s History with Refereeing Issues
This isn’t the first time Irving has addressed his concerns about officiating. During the 2024 playoffs against the Clippers, he made a cryptic remark about referees, stating:
“We knew with this officiating crew, they’ve been in a few playoff games, but they were going to call it a little tighter.”
Despite these concerns being repeatedly raised, fans believe they often go unheard. Reacting to Gafford’s comments, one fan wrote:
“It’s gonna fall on deaf ears again.”
While Gafford voiced his frustration publicly, it’s unclear if the league will take any action to address the issue.
Gafford’s Career Night Overshadowed by Officiating Debate
Despite the controversy, Daniel Gafford had a career-best performance, scoring 31 points and nearly leading the Mavs to victory. However, the focus remained on the lack of calls for Irving and the potential risk of injury.
As the Mavericks push toward the playoffs, fair officiating will be crucial in ensuring their star players stay healthy. Do you think Kyrie Irving is being unfairly officiated? Let us know in the comments!
