NBA play-offs

“What the hell for …”: LeBron curses after the loss

LeBron James was furious.(Bild: APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/MATTHEW STOCKMAN)

The NBA game between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers (101:99) ended with a 2:0 loss in the play-off series and a very angry LeBron James. The superstar left the subsequent press conference in a huff after criticizing the referee. 

"What the hell do we have a replay center for? It makes no sense to me, it makes no sense. It annoys me," said the Lakers star, complaining about an alleged foul on teammate D'Angelo Russell.

Lead extended
Earlier, defending champions Denver had also won the second game of the "best of seven" series thanks to a successful final spurt. The visitors squandered a 20-point lead and Jamal Murray scored the game-winner at the last second. James had been unable to convert a completely open three-point attempt with the score at 99:99.

There were also referee discussions after the game between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers (104:101). He had also seen these controversial scenes, said James. He wondered what was going on in the replay center. After his comments, he put the microphone down on the table and stood up. The 39-year-old had previously answered all questions calmly. The series between Cleveland and Orlando is now also 2-0 after a 96-86 win.

NBA results from Monday - play-off, 1st round (best of seven):

Eastern Conference: 
New York Knicks - Philadelphia 76ers 104:101 - series score: 2:0
Cleveland Cavaliers - Orlando Magic 96:86 - Score: 2:0

Western Conference: 
Denver Nuggets - Los Angeles Lakers 101:99 - Score: 2:0