Steve Kerr was stunned as Chris Paul was ejected in the final seconds of the game.(Image via USA Today Sports/X)

The Golden State Warriors played against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. As fans thought the game was ending, the NBA officials did something unusual. The referees ejected Chris Paul during the final seconds of the game after calling for a second technical on the player. As the player was not involved in any altercations, the call confused the Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, even as the Warriors’ fans were left scratching their heads.

Chris Paul received his first technical on the defensive play with 30 seconds left in the quarter. As the Warriors took the loss at 123-111, while Paul was seen hugging his opponents, referee Tony Brothers called for a second technical foul with 6.6 seconds left in the game. Steve Kerr, representing the viewers had a confused look, as Paul walked off the court.

It seemed like Paul exchanged a few words with the official which resulted in the foul. Paul is known for not having good relationships with the NBA officials. The veteran guard usually does not hold back while calling the referees out during games. However, ejecting a player in the final seconds of the game without the player’s involvement in any on-court altercations seemed too farfetched to NBA fans.

Despite the loss, Paul had played important minutes in the game. The star scored 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists to help the team. However, the Golden State Warriors fell short while competing against the sixth team in the Eastern Conference. The loss will have a negative effect on the Warriors, as they are fighting for their spot to compete in the play-ins.

Warriors have been struggling to stick in the play-ins

Chris Paul was traded to the Warriors earlier this season. While the guard was turning out to be a good addition to the team, an unfortunate injury struck him. Due to the injury, the player missed multiple games, which affected the Warriors’ already poor record. However, after his return, the team seemed to have found their rhythm as they started winning consecutively. The Warriors are in trouble after Friday’s loss. (Image via Sports Illustrated)
In February, after a long time, the Warriors became fully healthy and did not have many injured players. As a result, the team started playing well and had an 11-3 record in the month. But over the last eleven games this season, the team has lost six. The Warriors are currently fighting to stay in the play-ins as they are the 10th team in the Western Conference.

Friday’s loss against the Pacers will affect the Warriors. The record of the team is not safe as the team is only two losses from being pegged back to the 11th seed. If the Warriors drop in the standings the team will not be able to compete in the play-ins and further into the playoffs. The team needs to figure out how to get consecutive and consistent wins to save their season.