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NBA Admits Big Missed Call in Mavericks-Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Joey Linn|
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Memphis GrizzliesDallas Mavericks

The Memphis Grizzlies surrendered a 15-point fourth quarter lead against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, falling by a final score of 121-116. There was a lot of controversy with the free throw disparity in this game, as Dallas shot 44 free throws while Memphis was awarded just 14.

"44 [free-throw attempts] to what, 14?" Grizzlies guard Smart said after the game. "30 in the second, like 20 in the fourth? Yeah, horrible. I mean, I don't know what else to say. We've got Ja Morant and you've got Jaren Jackson and Desmond Bane driving to the basket, and we only get 14 free throws.”

Smart added. “I mean, enough said... I mean, it's so obvious. When a team shoots 30 more free throws than another team, especially when the other team that only has 14 free throws is the number one in pace and moves the ball to the rim the way we do, and we only get 14 free throws, you've got to ask yourself."

While the Grizzlies were clearly upset with more than just one play, the NBA has admitted a big missed call on their Last Two Minute Report. With 1:28 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Grizzlies trailing 113-111, the NBA said Jaren Jackson Jr. was fouled without a call.

“Lively II (DAL) initiates contact with Jackson Jr.'s (MEM) arm, which affects his driving shot attempt,” the NBA wrote.

Taylor Jenkins
Dec 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins reacts against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Not only would this have put Jackson to the free throw line with a chance to tie the game, but it would have momentarily quieted the Dallas crowd and allowed Memphis to reset its defense. Instead, Dallas secured the rebound and got a dagger three from Spencer Dinwiddie on the other end.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.

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