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[Saba Sports News] The NBA has acknowledged yet another officiating error that impacted the outcome of a game.
The New Orleans Pelicans edged out the Dallas Mavericks 119-116 on Wednesday in a tightly contested finish.
The pivotal moment came in the final seconds when Mavs guard Spencer Dinwiddie, trailing 117-116, attempted a layup in transition that would have given Dallas the lead. However, Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III swatted the shot away, and New Orleans secured the rebound to seal the win.
Replay footage clearly showed that Murphy committed goaltending by touching the ball after it had already hit the backboard.
On Thursday, the NBA’s official last two-minute report confirmed the missed call, admitting that Murphy’s block should have been ruled a goaltend.
Had the correct call been made, the Mavericks would have taken a 118-117 lead with just three seconds remaining. While the Pelicans still had a timeout to set up a potential game-winning play, the missed goaltend likely cost Dallas the victory.
Though the call was difficult to make in real time, one official (No. 50, Gediminas Petraitis) had a clear view directly under the basket. Despite the costly error, the Mavericks have opted not to file a formal protest and will instead move on, enduring yet another high-profile officiating misstep this season.