The officiating during the 2025 playoffs has been a hot topic of discussion, and Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy has shared his honest thoughts about it.
Some believe the refs have been allowing players to be too physical during games, and Dunleavy feels for the officials.
“I think it’s an interesting dichotomy because clearly, in the regular season, the league, the fans, everybody wants this open, free-flowing type of play, a lot of points, all those things,” Dunleavy said.
“But then when you flip the page of the postseason, everybody’s used to physicality, grind it out, tough possessions, and whether it’s the players, the fans, the coaches, everybody wants that. So, we put the referees in a tough spot, where all of a sudden the postseason kicks in, and now guys are expecting whistles. But, ‘Hey, no, we want them to be able to play more and play more free.’
“It’s a tough spot that [referees are] in. There’s been a lot of discussion about it. I think it’s good. I think playoff basketball is the best. We’ve got to let it keep playing out like it is, but we’ve got to find a balance.”
In Game 3 of the second round series against the Timberwolves, Warriors forward Draymond Green fouled out in the fourth quarter with four minutes and 38 seconds left in the game.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr challenged the call, but later admitted he didn’t have an issue with the way the game was officiated.
“I thought the [Green foul] we challenged was a charge,” Kerr said. “We thought it was a charge, but those are always subjective calls, and you just live with them. I didn’t like [Green’s] sixth one, but it doesn’t matter. The calls are what they are. Sometimes they go your way, sometimes they don’t. So, I haven’t given [Green’s fouls] a second thought today.”
“As I said, I thought the officials did a really good job [Saturday]. And we just have to play a little better.”
