D’Angelo Russell called for controversial flagrant foul on block attempt

D’Angelo Russell was called for a controversial flagrant-1 foul on Thursday night.

Russell was called for a flagrant foul after trying to block a Jamal Murray layup/dunk attempt in the first quarter of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets.

Murray was going up and was met in the air by Russell, who struck Murray’s face and arm while swatting at the ball.

D'Angelo Russell was hit with a flagrant 1 foul for this foul on Jamal Murray.

Good or bad flagrant call? pic.twitter.com/uFcScNCYno

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 19, 2023

The officials reviewed the play and assessed Russell a flagrant-1 foul. Murray was given two free throw attempts and made both to make it 23-22 Lakers.

LeBron James could not believe the call.

LeBron James: "What did he do?"pic.twitter.com/8fsYseF33w

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 19, 2023

ESPN rules analyst Steve Javie said the flagrant foul call was correct because Russell wound up and hit Murray in the face. Both Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy disagreed with the decision.

Steve Javie: "This is a flagrant foul because per the rulebook, if you wind up and hit someone's face, it is flagrant."

Mark Jackson & Jeff Van Gundy: "Your opinion is wrong."

I'm rooting for the Lakers. This is clearly a flagrant by rule. Get over it.pic.twitter.com/TZRpfR7mzc

— Ahaan Rungta (@AhaanRungta) May 19, 2023

Maybe Russell was trying to send a message after being disrespected by the Nuggets after Game 1.

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