NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Reveals the League Disciplines Referees for Missed Calls

• NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has revealed that the league punished referees for missed calls
• Referees were on the spot last month for missing a blatant foul in the Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics game
• The referees later apologized, saying the incorrect call gave them sleepless nights

There was outrage among the NBA fanbase when LeBron James was denied a clear foul during the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics game on 28th January.

The referees failed to call the foul, enraging Lakers, who were close to stealing a win at TD Garden against the Celtics. NBA referees issued an apology a day later. NBA commissioner Adama Silver has said the league punishes officials.

In the game's dying moments, James drove to the basket with a golden opportunity to beat league leaders Celtics with the game tied. However, he missed the layup.

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On a second look, James was hit on the arm by Jayson Tatum, forcing him to miss the potential game-winner.

Noticing that he hadn't gotten the call, the Lakers superstar was livid. He jumped upon and down, slapped the hardwood, and held his hands on his head in complete disbelief. He dropped to his knees and looked down as he came to terms with the decision.

The Celtics went on to win 125-121 in overtime, per the Athletic.

Silver on referees mistakes

Many fans called on the referees to be punished, a reaction that prompted the referees to issue an apology. Silver revealed that the league punishes the officials, but they don't make it public, according to ESPN.

"We don't publicize discipline for officials. We don't think that will be appropriate. But their assignments are affected by the quality of their calls, whether or not they progress into the playoffs and then round by round is impacted by the accuracy of their calls and their demeanor on the floor. So there is a system for overseeing and making those judgements about officials. But more to your earlier point about getting the calls right, that's again not a new issue."

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Referees have grabbed the headlines several times this season, and the outrage from that Celtics vs. Lakers game may have forced them to streamline their officiating.

NBA Referees apologize

Sports Brief earlier reported on the NBA referee union apologizing for the missed call in the Lakers-Celtics game, saying it gives them sleepless nights.

The game was tied 105-105 with four seconds left on the clock. The 38-year-old drove to the basket for a left-handed lay-up but was hit on the arm by Tatum, forcing him to miss.

"Like everyone else, referees make mistakes. We made one at the end of last night's game and that is gut-wrenching for us. This play will weigh heavily and cause sleepless nights as we strive to be the best referees we can be."