Cavs owner Dan Gilbert took subtle shot at refs on social media after Game 4 loss

May 21, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert speaks at a press conference introducing John Beilein as the head coach of the team at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Gilbert appears to have mastered the art of plausible deniability.

The Cleveland Cavaliers fell at home on Monday in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics by the final of 109-102. It was at least a rather valiant effort by the Cavs though as they kept the game very close throughout despite playing without starters Donovan Mitchell (calf strain) and Jarrett Allen (rib).

In a post to X after the game, the Cavs owner Gilbert commended his team for their effort … and also got in a subtle swipe at the officiating.

“Hey Cleveland… I thought our guys fought hard tonight, especially without two of our best players,” Gilbert wrote. “If there’s one thing we have learned, it’s that you have to work hard 24/7 (if you know what I mean) to win in this league. Let’s go get Game 5 and bring this back to Cleveland!”

The “if you know what I mean” line drew attention from some eagle-eyed fans, who eventually figured out that Gilbert was referencing the major free-throw disparity in Game 4. The Celtics shot 24 foul shots during the contest compared to a meager seven for the Cavs. In that context, it is easy to spot the clever “24/7” metaphor that Gilbert was weaving.

Of course, Gilbert has done much pettier things in the past, including over the last year or so . But after what was potentially the last home game of the season for the Cavs, who are now staring at a 3-1 deficit as the series shifts back over to Boston, Gilbert was going to let his thoughts be known (in a way that likely won’t get him fined by the NBA).

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