Damian Lillard on NBA Refs Admitting Miss: 'Don't Wana Hear This Punk Ass S--t'

Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard struck back at NBA officiating after Josh Tiven, the crew chief for Friday night's game against the Utah Jazz, admitted they missed a goaltending call on Jazz center Rudy Gobert in the game's final seconds.

Lillard's attempted layup would have tied the game at 116. Utah held on for a 117-114 victory.

"We don't wana hear this punk Ass s--t," Lillard wrote on Twitter.

The five-time All-Star guard predicted in his postgame comments the officials would admit their error.

"Three referees out there, and they don't call that," he told reporters. "And I don't wanna see no report about 'Oh, we should have called it' or none of that. Man, they cost us a game. We in a playoff race, and they cost us a game. On an easy call."

The no-call could loom large for the Blazers as the season wears on.

Portland is 2.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference. It's a crowded race, with up to six teams battling for one spot.

"We get to the last play of the game, and they miss an easy call. And then they tell us it's an easy no-call, like that was obviously not a goaltend. It cost us a f--king game, man," Lillard said. "It cost us a game."

It was a disappointing end to another terrific performance for the 29-year-old Weber State product. He tallied 42 points on the strength of eight threes, along with six assists and six rebounds. He's averaged 40.9 points over his past 11 games.

"Obviously it's a big play because it's the last play and it's what everyone is going to remember," Gobert said. "But I think we did a great job playing in the second half. Mistakes are made. Officials are human. I feel like it's all part of the game."

Both teams will be back in action Sunday. Utah visits James Harden, Russell Westbrook and the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, the Blazers return home to face the Miami Heat before heading on the road for crucial games against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and Grizzlies on Wednesday.