Critical Play Between Sixers, Clippers Misjudged by Officials

The officials got it wrong on the final play between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

As if James Harden’s return to the Wells Fargo Center didn’t add enough drama to the matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, the officiating crew surely added fuel to the fire as a questionable no-call during the final offensive sequence for the Sixers led Philadelphia to take on a 108-107 loss.

During the final seconds of the fourth quarter, the Sixers trailed by one. After a jump-ball situation between LA’s Kawhi Leonard and Sixers guard Kelly Oubre, Philadelphia garnered possession of the ball thanks to a Nic Batum tip to Buddy Hield.

Wasting no time getting the ball to a moving Oubre, the Sixers veteran attacked the paint from beyond the arc with fewer than two seconds to go. Oubre was in motion taking a shot with two defenders swarming him. There was contact as he went up to attempt his shot.

Oubre couldn’t get the ball off in time to beat the buzzer, but the Sixers were convinced that he drew enough contact to earn a whistle so he could head to the line for two free throws. However, only the buzzer sounded off as whistles stayed silent.

76ers head coach Nick Nurse was extremely displeased, as was Oubre. Unfortunately, there was no way for them to reverse a no-call at the end of the game.

For what it’s worth, the Sixers’ frustrations were justified.

In a pool report following the tight loss for Philadelphia, Crew Chief Kevin Scott explained what was seen on the floor. After reviewing the play, he admits that a mistake was made.

“On the last play on the floor, in real time the crew interpreted that play as the defender jumping vertically,” Scott said, via the report. “However, in post-game video review we did observe some slight drift to his left by the defender [Paul] George, and a foul should have been ruled.”

With a foul, Oubre could’ve had an opportunity to tie up the game, if not win it. Unfortunately, the no-call left the Sixers with a 108-107 loss. After falling short against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, the Sixers find themselves on a two-game losing streak this week.