Cavs Guard Ty Jerome Goes Viral For Criticism of NBA Ref

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 1:28 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves in a tougher battle than many expected against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night as the East leaders wound up defeating the Blazers by a final score of 133-129 in overtime.

The game was noteworthy not only for its close nature but also for a controversy involving Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome, who scored 25 points while dishing out five assists and snagging six rebounds in 35 minutes of action on the hardwood.

Jerome made comments after the game that have begun going viral on social media, in regards to the performance of a member of the game's officiating crew.

"I thought the refs were really bad tonight," Jerome said according to Cavaliers reporter Danny Cunningham, in comments that were viewed nearly two million times on X.

"Especially Natalie (Sago), she was really bad."

Jerome expounded on the game and how his team was able to play through what he characterized as poor officiating.

"Stuff like that happens," he said. "They kind of lose control of the game, and you just got to keep your head. I thought that first half was ridiculous. Third quarter was horrendous.

"You just got to keep your head and keep playing."

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson appeared to indirectly support Jerome's thoughts on the crew.

"The game was so choppy," he said. "I'll have to go back and look at the film. We have great referees in this league. I just thought it wasn't a great spectacle for the fans or for the media, or for us as coaches.

"It would just seem like it was constant stoppage. I'll just leave it at that."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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