It was Parker’s decisive final foul that Bartzokas refers to.

Barça earned a valuable victory over Olympiacos in Piraeus (80-82) and regained home-field advantage in the EuroLeague playoffs. However, the joy of the Barca team contrasts with the harsh criticism directed at the Greek team, who believe that the referees harmed them in the decisive play of the match.

With the score at 80-80 and the ball in possession, Roger Grimau called time out to plan the final play. Barça had three seconds to make their final attack and the throw-in went to Jabari Parker. The American, defended from afar by Filip Petrusev, jumped towards the Serbian center and was fouled while attempting a triple. After checking the video to see if the action was timed, the officials ruled it was (5 tenths on the clock) and Parker went to the line to make the first two free throws and missed the third on purpose.

“How can they whistle like that on the last kick of the game? Their player is here and jumps forward (he plays it himself) where our defender is. I don’t want to criticize the referees, but it decided the game.” – condemned Olympiacos coach Georgios Bartzokas, clearly angry with the decision of the three judges.

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