The NBA responded to the call that caused such controversy late Tuesday night through a statement from Rod Thorn, president of basketball operations. Thorn supported the officials' decision, stating that there was not enough evidence available to reverse the call made on the floor.
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“With 11.3 seconds left in the game, the basketball went out of bounds on the baseline and the referees ruled the ball belonged to the Thunder," Thorn said in a statement. "The referees then used instant replay to review the play.
"In order to reverse the call made on the court, there has to be ‘clear and conclusive’ evidence. Since no replay provided such evidence, the play correctly stood as called with the Thunder retaining possession.”
The play in question can be seen below.
Clippers coach Doc Rivers, who is likely to receive a fine, had strong feeling on the call. Rivers said his team was robbed and called the out of bounds decision a blown call.
That was the pervading opinion, while most acknowledge that the Clippers made mistakes to heighten the importance of that possession.
