Game-Changing Mistakes: 4 Controversial Referee Errors That Shook the Grizzlies vs. Warriors Showdown

The NBA recently highlighted some controversial calls during the Golden State Warriors’ 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. In their Last Two Minute Report, they pointed out that two key calls made by officials were incorrect.

With just 37 seconds left, the officials wrongly called a personal foul on the Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski. Instead of allowing what would have been a spectacular block on Memphis’ Scotty Pippen Jr., the foul awarded Pippen two free throws. He made one, narrowing Golden State’s lead to 117-114.

Then, with only 7.3 seconds remaining, a critical moment occurred. Ja Morant reached in on Stephen Curry, leading to the ball going out of bounds. The report indicated that the ball should have been ruled off Curry’s hand, which would have given possession to Memphis.

On the other side of the coin, not every call was questioned. The report confirmed that the officials correctly noted a five-second violation against Memphis during an inbounds play while they trailed 119-116. Following this, Curry was fouled and helped secure the victory at the free-throw line.

The report also mentioned missed calls. One involved Draymond Green, who should have received a personal foul with 1:29 left. This call could have influenced his game significantly, as he eventually fouled out with 58.6 seconds remaining. Additionally, there was a missed goaltending call against Memphis’ Zach Edey, which allowed him to score a crucial basket.

As a result of this game, the Warriors clinched the seventh seed in the playoffs and will face the Houston Rockets in the first round. Meanwhile, Memphis will compete in a play-in game to secure the eighth seed.

The discussions around officiating in the NBA are not new. In fact, a 2021 survey showed that nearly 70% of fans believe that officiating affects game outcomes. Furthermore, digital media has fueled a rise in discussions about officiating on social platforms, making it a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.

Ensuring fair play is vital for the integrity of the game. As the playoffs approach, both teams and fans will be keeping a close eye on how officials manage pressure-packed moments. You can read more about NBA officiating standards here.

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