In a tense NBA showdown, the Dallas Mavericks faced a controversial moment in their recent game against the New Orleans Pelicans. With a mere 15 seconds left on the clock and trailing by just one point, the Mavericks found themselves in a pivotal situation. Dallas was down 117-116 when P.J. Washington intercepted a pass near midcourt, setting off a frenetic series of events that culminated in a disputed no-call by the officials.
As the Mavericks pushed the ball in transition, Spencer Dinwiddie received a pass while making his way toward the basket. He attempted a potential game-winning layup, only to be pursued by Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III. Murphy III managed to block Dinwiddie's shot attempt, despite the ball making contact with the backboard—a situation typically warranting a goaltending call if the shot had a chance to go in. Dinwiddie, who deliberately aimed for the backboard, expressed his disagreement with the no-call, arguing that it cost his team a crucial opportunity.
The no-call became a significant point of contention for the Mavericks. Head Coach Jason Kidd did not hold back his frustration, stating that the decision "cost us maybe the game." The team's disappointment was further compounded by the NBA's acknowledgment that officials erred by not calling goaltending on the play. The league conceded that Murphy III's block should have been penalized, which could have altered the outcome of the match.
In light of the admission from the NBA, the Mavericks were given the option to appeal the loss. However, such appeals are rare and often do not result in changes to game outcomes. Despite this, the incident has sparked discussions around officiating and its impact on tightly contested games.
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