Ever since the 2002 series between the Kings and Lakers, which resulted in a Kings loss, NBA conspiracy theorists have long believed that rigging has become a part of the NBA’s refereeing circle. And now, thanks to the antics of Game 5 between the Clippers and Thunder, they have reason to believe it again. Up 2, the Matt Barnes fouls Reggie Jackson who is driving to the net for a layup. The whistle was blown and initially called out of bounds by Barnes, thereby no foul being called. The officials gather, discuss, and then watch the replay of the video. The videos given to the officials are the same videos that are shown on the Jumbotron at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, the same videos that are being televised internationally via TNT. The crowd goes silent as the replay shows the ball last being touched by Jackson’s right hand.
As both coaches prepare for the ball to belong to LA, the crowd suddenly cheers as the referees point towards an OKC possession. And this is where Doc Rivers lets loose continually yelling “that’s our ball!” to any referee that he could see. On the ensuing play, Chris Paul fouls Westbrook on a 3 point shot and the rest is history. Following the game, social media exploded with the explanations of the play. The rule states that if the hand of the player who is holding the ball is hit and the ball goes out of bounds, the player will retain possession of the play.
However, this causes two problems. Firstly, Matt Barnes initially hit Jackson’s left hand and his right hand is the last hand to touch the ball, essentially disregarding this rule. Secondly, and most atrociously, the explanation that the referees gave was that it was inconclusive of who the ball went off of, so the call on the floor stays. Even if the referees cited the rule, it would have been an understandable perspective and the NBA social media would not be up in arms. However, the referees stuck to their explanation by saying that they could not see a reason to overturn the call, despite the ball clearly leaving Jackson’s right hand last.
Did the refs get the call right or was does this lead to another conspiracy through the NBA? Only time will tell but one thing stays true, it’ll be interesting to see how the league approaches the situation today. Even more interesting will be seeing how the Clippers react to havinga to battle back to win 2 straight in such a tight series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJVghjjJBI
