Referees Overlook Kevin Durant’s Crucial Late-Game Mistake

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Referees Overlook Kevin Durant’s Crucial Late-Game Mistake

The NBA season opener showcased a thrilling encounter between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets, highlighting a pivotal moment involving Kevin Durant. With just 4.7 seconds left in overtime, both teams were tied at 115 points at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Key Moments in the Game

As the clock wound down, reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander attempted a potential game-winning shot but had it blocked. This led to Kevin Durant seizing possession with time running out.

Crucial Mistake by Durant

In a desperate attempt to regroup, Durant called for a timeout, aiming to secure one last opportunity for the Rockets. However, Houston had already exhausted all their timeouts, making this call a critical error.

Referee Oversight

The referees failed to recognize Durant’s call for a timeout. According to NBA rules, this oversight should have resulted in an automatic technical foul. Consequently, the Thunder could have been awarded a free throw, adding to their chances of winning the game.

Protests and Reactions

  • The Thunder players voiced their dissatisfaction with the missed call.
  • Head coach Mark Daigneault expressed frustration over the situation.
  • Despite the protests, the referees did not reverse their decision.

Durant, who engaged with Thunder fans throughout the game, avoided significant embarrassment stemming from his mistake. The incident has sparked discussions about referee performance early in the season.

Conclusion

This clash between the Rockets and Thunder was marked by intense plays and a controversial missed call, shedding light on the challenges referees face as the new NBA season unfolds.