Rick Carlisle was none to pleased with what he perceived was favorable officiating for the Thunder during Dallas' 99-98 loss in Game 1.
"I've seen this for four years," Carlisle continued. "Dirk Nowitzki's the hardest guy in the league to guard because at 22 feet, if you back up and take your hands off him, he's going to make the shot. So people grab and hold him all the time. I mean, all the time. He shows incredible restraint in those areas."
True to form Thunder coach Scott Brooks denied any such favoritism by the officials towards his players and even lobbed his own complaint.
"If anything," Brooks said, "I should be complaining. We only shot 20 free throws."
For all the latest news and notes about the Mavericks playoff run, head over to Mavs Moneyball while Welcome To Loud City has everything you need to know about the Thunder.