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NBA Admits to Officials’ Mistake in Memphis Grizzlies’ Win

By Christian Dudley

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Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Joerger reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies came away with the two-point win last night in Houston after overcoming a controversial finish. Now, the NBA has reviewed the final moments from last night and have admitted that there was a mistake made by the game officials.

Yes, the referees did miss a foul that they should have called. James Harden receives too many whistles as is, but he truly did deserve to receive the favorable call when the Grizzlies’ Zach Randolph swiped across his arms and made contact.

However, what has been failed to be mentioned is the make-up call by the officials on the ensuing possession.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ All-Star center, Marc Gasol, as you know by now, nailed a clutch shot to put Memphis up by two with just 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Not only did Gasol hit the shot, but he was clearly hit on the arm. Unquestionably!

Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) is congratulated by guard Courtney Lee (5) after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Ladies and gentlemen, that is what is known as a make-up call. The referees evened out the missed call on James Harden’s drive by not calling the contact from the Rockets’ Terrence Jones on Marc Gasol’s attempt.

The Houston Rockets lost, so of course they are salty. They need to drink some water and move on to their next game. It is much ado about nothing. They could have lost by three or just by one. Who knows. The Rockets lost this game. One possession did not decide the game.

Houston’s Trevor Ariza took to Twitter and commented on a quote tweet by Tony Allen with his personal thoughts on the Harden/Randolph drive, as seen below. [Ed. Note: Trevor Ariza, @TrevorAriza, has since deleted his comment to Tony Allen, but the gist of it is below.]

Here is a look at the Jones foul that also went uncalled–just in case you have not seen it floating around on the Internet today.

If anything, the Houston Rockets should be complaining about the lack of shooting fouls called in their direction over the course of the full 48 minutes–just five free-throw attempts as a team on the entire night.

If the Grizzlies manage to meet the Rockets at any point in this season’s NBA Playoffs, much fuel should have been added to the fire after last night and earlier today. Regardless, both teams now have extra motivation as they race for the better playoff position as the schedule winds down.

Go Grizz!

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