NBA playoffs 2020: LeBron can’t believe ‘ridiculous’ bubble policy

LeBron James has added his voice to criticism of one aspect of the NBA bubble a leading coach has described as “criminal in nature”.

LeBron James can’t believe the coaches have been left out. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

LeBron James agrees that the NBA’s policy not permitting the families of coaches in its Orlando bubble is “ridiculous.”

Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone called out the league for allowing only player families into the bubble, saying “shame on you, NBA,” one day ahead of Saturday’s second-round game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Responding to a tweet by Los Angeles Lakers teammate Jared Dudley criticising the policy, James posted on the social media site: “Oh wow I didn’t even know that! Coach Mo is absolutely right! That’s ridiculous.” His tweet added a slapped forehead emoji.

Malone’s full quote Friday also included calling the league policy “criminal in nature.”

“This is day No. 60,” said Malone, who is married with two daughters. “The reason why I bring that up is because the players have their families here, which they deserve, which is the right thing to do. The referees are allowed to bring one guest, which is great for the referees. The coaches, the coaches are not allowed to bring anybody.

“I say, ‘Shame on you, NBA. This is crazy. I miss my family. And I think I speak for me, I speak for my coaches and probably all the coaches down here. Sixty days and not having access and being granted the privilege to have my family come here, to me, is criminal in nature, and that shouldn’t be at all. So I wanted to get that off my chest.”

LeBron James. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The league responded to Malone’s criticism with a statement that limiting the number of people in the bubble due to “the highly contagious nature of COVID-19” was the top priority.

“We agreed that players could bring in a limited number of family and close relations beginning with the second round of the playoffs,” the NBA statement said. “No other team or league staff, including coaches and referees, has guests on campus.

“We are hoping to add additional family members for other participants beginning with the Conference Finals. We are mindful of the incredible hardship these restrictions impose and wish it were not necessary for the health and safety of everyone involved.”

James led his Lakers to a 117-109 win on Monday (AEST) to tie the series at 1-1 with Houston.

The Lakers trailed at three-quarter time but rallied in the fourth quarter after James threw down two nasty jams on his way to 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

BUCKS SURVIVE IN OT WITHOUT GIANNIS

Milwaukee is still alive ... just.

The Bucks lost Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to a sprained right ankle in the first half but rallied to defeat the Miami Heat 118-115 in overtime in game four of their second round series.

Khris Middleton (36 points, eight assists, eight rebounds) was sensational as the Bucks won their first game of the series. The Heat still lead 3-1.

Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP, had rolled his ankle in the Bucks’ game-three loss to the Heat but played on and insisted it didn’t bother him.

He pushed through the pain again on Monday and had 19 points in 11 minutes of court time before twisting it again and going down hard in the second quarter.

He stayed in the game and shot two free throws, making one to take Milwaukee within one point at 31-30, before limping to the locker room.

Giannis Antetokounmpo exits the game after an injury during the second quarter. Picture: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

From there Middleton picked up the slack and the Bucks had a chance to win it in regulation when Donte DiVincenzo hit one of two foul shots that left it tied at 107-107.

Middleton scored nine points in overtime and even a pair of late Tyler Herro three-pointers wasn’t enough for the Heat.

Bam Adebayo led Miami with 26 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists and they’ll be confident of closing it out on Wednesday — especially if Antetokounmpo can’t play.