The highly anticipated duel between Stephen Curry and LeBron James during the Golden State Warriors’ 128-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers turned into a frustrating spectacle marred by multiple replay reviews and shot clock malfunctions in the fourth quarter.

As the game approached its climax, with the Lakers mounting a comeback led by James’ impressive performance, a series of bureaucratic delays disrupted the flow of play. A retroactive review overturned a crucial three-pointer by James, ruling that he was out of bounds during his shot attempt. This decision, made by an official in the NBA’s remote video center, sparked confusion and frustration among players and fans alike.

Subsequent reviews and shot clock malfunctions further exacerbated the situation, prolonging the stoppage of play to nearly 20 minutes. Players expressed their frustration, with James slamming the ball in dismay and Curry showcasing flashy dribbling skills while shaking his head in disbelief.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr and others criticized the excessive use of replay, calling for a reevaluation of its role in the game. Kerr suggested limiting replay to crucial moments like buzzer-beaters to preserve the flow of the game.

Despite the Warriors ultimately securing a crucial victory in their playoff push, the game’s chaotic conclusion overshadowed the stellar performances of Curry, James, and others. The frustrating ordeal left players and fans alike longing for a return to the simplicity and excitement of basketball without unnecessary interruptions.

As the Warriors and Lakers continue their battle for playoff positioning, the hope is that future games will be decided by the players on the court rather than by bureaucratic delays and technical mishaps.