NBA: Refs missed crucial palming violation on Ja late in Game 2 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Another day, another time the NBA admits that referees missed a key call that could have swung the outcome of a Warriors playoff game.
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies indicated that Grizzlies star Ja Morant should have been called for palming the ball with 30.7 seconds left and Memphis leading 101-100.
As the report reads, “Morant (MEM) places his hand completely under the ball and brings it to a pause during his drive to the basket.”
Morant used the palming to his advantage while creating space to sink a short push shot over Andrew Wiggins, increasing the Grizzlies’ lead to three points.
Klay Thompson was called for traveling on the Warriors’ ensuing possession, which effectively sealed the game for Memphis in their 106-101 victory. Had the refs correctly blown the whistle on Morant, the Warriors would have had the ball trailing by only one point with 30 seconds left.
The Morant palming call was the only play that was deemed incorrect in the final two minutes. But that wasn’t the only controversial call that went against the Warriors.
The report says that the refs correctly called Draymond Green for a loose ball foul with 49.8 seconds left as he was trying to secure the rebound with the Warriors trailing 100-99.
“Green (GSW) dislodges Morant (MEM) from his position during the rebound,” the report states.
You be the judge.
While the Warriors certainly didn’t benefit from these calls, that is not the reason why they lost the game. Golden State was historically bad from 3-point range (7-for-38) and committed plenty of egregious turnovers throughout the course of the contest.
RELATED: Warriors need Steph to fire back at Ja, Grizzlies
Had the Warriors played better, they could have won the game handily. But instead, they head back to San Francisco tied one game apiece with the Grizzlies and are left wondering, “What if?”
Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
