In a thrilling showdown on Thursday night, the Golden State Warriors narrowly lost to the Sacramento Kings by a slim margin of 134-133. However, the game’s climax was marred by a contentious call in the final minutes that has since sparked debate and discussion among fans and analysts.
The NBA has now provided clarity on the matter through its Last Two Minute Report, shedding light on a pivotal moment in the game. After Kings guard Kevin Huerter missed a crucial three-pointer with just 27 seconds left on the clock, the ensuing rebound found its way into the hands of Steph Curry, who was positioned out of bounds. Despite arguments for Curry’s possession, the ruling favored the Kings, leaving many scratching their heads.
Steph appeared to get hit in the face on this play … pic.twitter.com/EQdb6KEGGh
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 26, 2024
The crux of the controversy lies in the contact between Curry and Domantas Sabonis as they contested for the ball. While many believed Sabonis should have been called for a foul after making contact with Curry’s head, the NBA review deemed the contact to be marginal and incidental, falling within the realm of normal basketball movement.
Adding to the intrigue, Kings guard Keegan Murray was also involved in a similar incident with Andrew Wiggins, with the NBA similarly categorizing the contact as marginal and within the confines of the game.
While the NBA’s explanation may not fully satisfy all parties involved, it provides valuable insight into the interpretation of the rules and the intricacies of in-game officiating. As the season progresses, such calls will undoubtedly continue to fuel debate and shape the narrative of each game.
