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Blazers’ Damian Lillard Frustrated With Officials After Loss

Portland Tribune’s Kerry Eggers captured Damian Lillard’s feelings toward the referees after Portland’s loss on Saturday.

NBA: Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Trail Blazers’ 115-105 loss to the Warriors featured a 40-point game from Damian Lillard. Along with Lillard’s scoring explosion, the referees whistled a combined six technical fouls between both squads. Two of those six technicals were assigned to the Blazers in the closing minutes of the contest.

After the game, Portland Tribune’s Kerry Eggers recorded Lillard’s explanation of those late-game foul calls.

“I’m coming over the screen,” Lillard recalled afterward. “I’m trying to squeeze by (the screener). (Curry) kicks his left leg out, kicks my legs, falls on the ground — three free throws.”

Immediately after that call, Lillard’s frustrations boiled over, earning him a technical. While approaching official Jacyn Goble, Lillard attempted to explain why he was upset with the foul call. Instead of defusing the situation, the exchange triggered Goble to reach for his whistle once again.

“I told (Goble), ‘You gave (Curry) three free throws at this point in the game, in a crucial possession,’ “ Lillard said. “Then I turned and said something (to Goble). He said I called him a name, which I 100 percent did not call him.”

The Blazers will have to put the feelings from last night behind them quickly, as the 76ers are set to enter the Moda Center on Sunday evening.