A “classic, nationally televised duel between Stephen Curry and LeBron James was spoiled” Saturday when “three replay reviews and four shot clock malfunctions interrupted the fourth quarter” of the Warriors’ 128-121 victory over the Lakers. From the start of the first video review to the end of the final shot clock malfunction, it “took 18 minutes 42 seconds to play 15 seconds of game action.” During the “interminable stoppage,” James “slammed the ball to the court in frustration and then threw it to the ceiling in dismay.” The ABC broadcast “cut to multiple commercial breaks and showed celebrities” such as Ben Affleck and Bad Bunny, who were “unable to contain their boredom in their courtside seats.” Within “earshot” of the ABC television crew James said, “I’m too old for this s---.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, “That’s about as extreme as I’ve ever been a part of. It’s unfortunate. I felt bad for the fans” (WASHINGTON POST, 3/17).
It “took 22 minutes” for the Lakers and Warriors to play the final 110 seconds. Their showdown in L.A. was “buried in an avalanche of replay reviews and shot-clock malfunctions” (L.A. TIMES, 3/16). Tennis player Novak Djokovic, Pro Football HOFer Shannon Sharpe, former MLBer Albert Pujols, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez also were sitting courtside (S.F CHRONICLE, 3/16).
