Home / Sports / Goaltend Blunder Sends 76ers-Rockets to Overtime
Goaltend Blunder Sends 76ers-Rockets to Overtime
23 Jan
Summary
- A missed goaltend call on the final possession of regulation forced overtime.
- Houston was awarded a timeout despite not having clear possession of the ball.
- The controversial officiating decisions potentially cost Houston a chance to win.
The Philadelphia 76ers emerged victorious over the Houston Rockets in an overtime thriller, with a final score of 128-122. However, the game's conclusion in regulation was marked by significant officiating controversy, leading to the extended play.
On the final possession of regulation, a potential goaltend by Kevin Durant on Tyrese Maxey's shot was not called. Replays indicated Durant touched the ball after it hit the glass, a situation that should have resulted in a goaltend. Because the referees did not make an initial call, the automated review system, designed for such plays, could not be triggered.
Further compounding the issue, Houston was erroneously awarded a timeout despite not securing possession. This sequence of events, including an inadvertent whistle, led to a jump ball and ultimately forced overtime, denying the 76ers a potential game-winning opportunity. Coach Nick Nurse expressed frustration, stating officials should call such plays to ensure accuracy.
