Suns’ Jusuf Nurkić Rips Refs After 31-Rebound Game Without a Single Free Throw

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić enjoyed a career-night on Sunday when he grabbed 31 rebounds in a loss against the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder. And after the game, despite his individual performance, Nurkić expressed frustration with the officiating and questioned how he didn’t get to throw line even once despite his dominance under the rim. 

“I don’t know, man. I’m just trying to do my role the best I can. But it’s kind of really messed up when you have 13 offensive rebounds and 16 shots then zero free throws,” Nurkić told reporters after the 118–110 loss. “As hard as I work, and I feel like [I’m] getting fouled as [much as] anybody in the league.

“And I’m not here saying—we lost the game, it is what it is—[but] it’s just, it’s not really common sense,” he continued. “At least one [free throw]. [To] not even have one? But I know it happens. I ain’t the first one, and I ain’t going to be the last, either, unfortunately.”

Jusuf Nurkic said the career-high 31 rebound, but said it doesn't matter because #Suns lost.

Called out the turnovers as Phoenix had 22 that resulted in 31 OKC points. He had 5 turnovers.

Also puzzled he got 13 offensive rebounds, but didn't take a FT.

"At least one." #Suns pic.twitter.com/iyDg71GctG

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 4, 2024

Nurkić finished the game with 14 points after making seven of his 16 shot attempts to go along with his 31 boards and four assists in 32 minutes of action.

Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoiled the Suns’ night with 35 points to help his team improve to 42–18 on the season and move into the top spot in the Western Conference. Phoenix fell to 35–26 and sits in seventh place in the West.