NBA Ref Addresses Controversial 76ers vs. Rockets Ending, Potential Goaltending
After a controversial ending to Thursday's matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets, an NBA official explained why Tyrese Maxey's potential game-winner was not reviewed for goaltending.
In the final seconds of the contest, Maxey attempted a layup that was swatted off the backboard by Kevin Durant. A closer look at the play showed that the ball hit the glass before Durant touched it, which should have resulted in a goaltending call.
Because goaltending was not called on the play, it could not be reviewed, crew chief John Goble said in a pool report with Gina Mizell of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"By rule, a goaltending would have to be called on the floor in order for that play to be reviewed," Goble said. "In real time the officiating crew felt it was a good blocked shot."
After the controversial play, the game went into overtime, and the Sixers hung on to win 128-122.
Maxey led the way for the 76ers, posting 36 points and 10 assists, and Joel Embiid added 32 points, 15 boards and 10 assists as Philadelphia improved to 24-19.
