Saturday 23 February 2019 04:49, UK
James Harden has demanded referee Scott Foster be taken off Houston Rockets games after the official's display during their Thursday defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Foster called four offensive fouls on Harden, who was ejected late in the fourth quarter, as well as handing out technical fouls to Chris Paul and coach Mike D'Antoni in the closing stages.
Paul, who was openly critical of 25-year veteran Foster last season, was also ejected in the 111-106 defeat at the Staples Center.
"Scott Foster, man. I never really talk about officiating or anything like that, but just rude and arrogant," said reigning MVP Harden, who scored 30 points before fouling out.
"I mean, you aren't able to talk to him throughout the course of the game, and it's like, how do you build that relationship with officials?
"And it's not even that call (on the sixth foul). It's just who he is on that floor."
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Foster called 18 personal and technical fouls on Thursday, with 12 of them against the Rockets. Seven of those against Houston were in the fourth quarter.
The Rockets were leading by 19 points in the second half against the Lakers. In the final 20 minutes of the game, the Lakers attempted 17 free throws, the Rockets none.
"It's lingering, and it's something that has to be looked at for sure,"
Harden, the NBA's scoring leader, said. "For sure, it's personal. For sure. I don't think he should be able to even officiate our games anymore, honestly."
