NBA Referee Facing Intense Backlash During Celtics-Bucks
Despite some controversial decisions from NBA referee Tony Brothers, the Boston Celtics moved to 4-0 on the season after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 119-108 at TD Garden on Monday night.
With Celtics forward Jayson Tatum struggling to get his shot going, guards Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard carried the load for Boston. Brown finished with 30 points on 10-of-19 shooting, six rebounds and four assists. Pritchard tied the Celtics record for most three-pointers made off the bench with eight, ending the night with 28 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Throughout the game, Brothers and the officiating crew made some very questionable calls that didn’t sit well with many fans, including both the Boston and Milwaukee faithful.
NBA referee Tony Brothers
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The officiating crew, led by Brothers, called a total of 42 fouls—24 on Milwaukee and 18 on Boston. While the Celtics benefited slightly from fewer calls against them, the Bucks still attempted 12 more free throws, ending with a 31-19 advantage.
Yet, several calls favoring Milwaukee raised eyebrows. Among the more controversial moments were two technical fouls given to Tatum and Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who protested a shot clock violation despite the ball clearly touching the rim on a layup attempt by Jrue Holiday. The officials also assessed a phantom foul on Brown, awarding Damian Lillard three free throws.
It even got to a point where Mazzulla had to use both his challenges fairly early in the game, winning each.
Throughout the match, both Mazzulla and Doc Rivers displayed their dissatisfaction by frequently challenging Brothers. Fans in the stands voiced their disapproval as well, resorting to the classic “ref you suck” chant.
Brothers faced considerable backlash from fans and media throughout, to the point that the veteran referee was trending on X.
“Tony Brothers is a joke. He is so bad and takes things so personal. You blew the call. Own it and move on,” one fan said.
“Tony Brothers is a joke”
“Such an awfully officiated game. Tony Brothers is the worst official in the NBA and it’s not even close”
“Tony Brothers legitimately goes out there every night to make sure he’s the focal point of the game”
“Tony Brothers you are the WORST”
“remember when boston couldnt challenge an obvious bad call cause they already had to challenge two other obviously bad calls and tony brothers got mad and Td up Joe? lol.”
Brothers has been an NBA referee since the 1994-95 season, before a good portion of the league was even born. He has called over 1,800 regular season games and 200 playoff games. It’s safe to say, fans of the NBA do not look forward to games that Brothers is calling.
