The Magic Insider

NBA Report Confirms Two Crucial Missed Calls in Finish to Magic-Raptors

The Orlando Magic's one-point loss to the Toronto Raptors brought about frustration regarding how the game was officiated and the final play sequence. Wednesday's last-two-minute report issued by the league backed up their grievances.
Mason Williams|
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley was frustrated with how Tuesday's game vs. Toronto was officiated.
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley was frustrated with how Tuesday's game vs. Toronto was officiated. | Fernando Medina, Getty Images

In this story:

Orlando MagicToronto Raptors

ORLANDO, Fla. — The NBA's last-two-minute report for Tuesday night's Orlando Magic-Toronto Raptors game cited two incorrect no-calls that factored in the outcome.

Ja'Kobe Walter sank a go-ahead three-pointer with 0.5 seconds left, then the Magic's lob attempt from Paolo Banchero to Wendell Carter Jr. didn't connect. Orlando lost 114-113.

After the game, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, while pleading for more consistent officiating from the NBA's referees, felt that Carter was fouled in the process of going for Banchero's pass.

On Wednesday, the NBA's L2M report agreed with the fourth-year coach.

On the game's final play, the report said that Robinson reached back over Carter's shoulder, which hindered his ability to jump. In that scenario, Robinson should have been whistled for a loose ball foul and Carter would have shot two free throws with no time coming off the clock.

"We've worked on that a ton," Mosley said. "It's supposed to be right at the rim at 0.5 (seconds). And he put it right at the rim, and then Orlando Robinson walks under Wendell Carter Jr. as it's happening. So you can do one of two things. You can say it hit the rim and the clock went off, or you can say it should be a foul because you're taking a man out of the air."

The other missed call was perhaps more consequential.

On the previous Toronto possession, which ended with Walter's three-point basket, the report said the officiating crew missed an illegal screen foul call — set by Robinson against Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who began the sideline out-of-bounds play matched up with Walter.

Had the foul call been made, possession would've turned over before Toronto had a look to tie or win. At that point, the Magic led 113-111 with 4.8 seconds to play.

Ben Taylor, J.T. Orr and John Conley were the game officials. There were 52 personal fouls called in the contest, and Toronto shot 35 free throws to Orlando's 23. (Note: In Sunday's game, the Magic shot 42 free throws to the Raptors' 30.)

"I don't mind the whistle," Mosley said postgame. "I just want it to be the same way. I like physical, we like aggressive, we like being that way. That's our brand of basketball.

"I just want it to be consistent."

Related Stories on the Orlando Magic

  • MOSLEY CALLS FOR CONSISTENCY FROM REFS: "I just don't understand. I really don't," Jamahl Mosley said of the referees' whistle Tuesday vs. Toronto. CLICK HERE
  • SUGGS' SUCCESSFUL KNEE SURGERY: How do the Magic contend without their starting point guard for the rest of the season? CLICK HERE
  • STRUGGLE FOR SPACING: The Magic have consistently faced opponents who congest the paint. That's translating to plenty of struggles for Orlando's offense. CLICK HERE
  • LATEST MAGIC NOTEBOOK: A Moe Wagner sighting at practice, praise from the Warriors & more on Paolo's Community Enrichment Award. CLICK HERE
  • PAOLO WINS MAGIC'S ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARD: The first-time honoree was recognized Saturday night at the Orlando Wine Festival & Auction. CLICK HERE

Want more Orlando Magic coverage on Sports Illustrated?

Follow 'Orlando Magic on SI' on Facebook and like our page. Follow Magic beat reporter Mason Williams on Twitter/X @mvsonwilliams. Also, bookmark our homepage so you never miss a story.

Published | Modified
Mason Williams
MASON WILLIAMS

Home/News