Referees whistled perennial First Team All-Defense player Tony Allen for fouling Stephen Curry on back-to-back three-point attempts in the first quarter of the Pelicans’ matchup against the Warriors on Monday night.
There was just one problem: Allen never touched Curry.
On the first play, The Grindfather quickly closed out on Curry in the corner. And even though he got all into the two-time MVP’s air space, Allen never actually touched Curry on the way up, which is probably why the Warriors’ shooter made the shot.
The second play is a little tougher to call, and you can’t fault an official for blowing the whistle. Allen again is all in Curry’s space and is contesting him tightly close to mid-court. It looks like the sticky defender touches Curry, but when he realizes he’s shooting, he moves his arm back to block the shot.
Instead of a block, Allen is assessed his second foul of the opening quarter, and Curry goes to the line to shoot three free throws.
Why is this important?
The Pelicans were up 12 before Curry got to the line two times in a row. Currently, they trail 37-36. That’s because their momentum got sapped by the whistle.
Allen did not touch Curry at all on the first whistle. The second is questionable at best. It’s tough being an NBA referee, and this is just another example of how difficult it can be to officiate a game in live action.