The NBA admits to making two mistakes by the referees in the final minute of Miami’s 117-115 loss to Indiana on Sunday. These errors affected the game’s outcome and contributed to Miami slipping to the No. 8 position in the Eastern Conference standings as the season nears its end.
Firstly, Miami’s Tyler Herro was fouled by Indiana’s T.J. McConnell while attempting a 3-pointer, but no foul was called by the officials. Secondly, a foul called against Heat center Bam Adebayo with 17.1 seconds left was deemed incorrect by the league. This led to Indiana’s Myles Turner making two free throws after the faulty call.
The NBA clarified that Adebayo’s action was clean as he made simultaneous contact with the ball, while Herro made only incidental hand-on-ball contact. Unfortunately, Miami had already used their challenge earlier in the fourth quarter, so they couldn’t contest the call on Adebayo.
As a result of this loss and Philadelphia’s victory on the same night, Miami fell to the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference standings, while Indiana maintained their position at No. 6. If Miami had won against Indiana, they would have secured a higher ranking, possibly even the No. 6 spot.
