But here's the thing:
What people don't understand about referees is that we prevent fights every game. That's basically our job. Make sure that these people play sportsmanlike basketball. Because, a basketball game is what everybody came to see. To achieve that goal, you have to make sure that you put the proper whistle on illegal contact. If you don't, the kids will fight. AND, it will be your fault.
The referee could've prevented Russell's unsportsmanlike conduct.
Seth Curry gets away with a LOT of pushing on that play and gains an advantage from it because he gets free and even has a set screen. He's gonna hit that shot. Had the referee called the push there would have been no foul by Russell (unless he just decided to be the asshole that he is and pushed Harrison Barnes anyway). Maybe you prevent it, maybe you don't. But he literally shoves Westbrook with both hands and I don't know anyone who likes that. My point is the referee, with talking to the players ("hands off", "don't push" etc) and blowing your whistle can prevent these things from happening.
