Officials admitted they made a mistake by not calling a foul in the final moments of the Los Angeles Clippers’ 108-107 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. This error potentially cost the 76ers a chance to win and improve their playoff position.
Referee Kevin Scott explained in a statement after the game that Paul George of the Clippers made contact with Kelly Oubre Jr. of the 76ers as he was driving with the ball just before time ran out. Upon reviewing the footage after the game, they realized there was enough contact for a foul to be called.
If the foul had been called, Oubre would have had the opportunity to shoot free throws and potentially win the game with only 0.2 seconds left on the clock.
After the game ended, Oubre and 76ers coach Nick Nurse approached the officials to question the non-call. Oubre believed there was enough contact to warrant a foul, especially considering similar calls that had been made earlier in the game.
Despite his frustration, Oubre later apologized for confronting the officials, acknowledging that emotions can run high in intense basketball games.
The 76ers, currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, are striving for a higher playoff position. However, they have faced challenges without their star player, Joel Embiid, who has been sidelined with an injury since January. The team hopes to have Embiid back on the court before the playoffs begin.
