The NBA has finally issue a statement on the controversy surrounding the end of the Clippers/Thunder Game 5 playoff game last night. Following a video review that seemed to show the ball go off of Thunder guard Reggie Jackson, officials awarded the Thunder the ball.
After the game Clippers coach Doc Rivers was so enraged by the call that he said it could swing the entire series.
Today the NBA issue a statement saying officials did not have enough conclusive evidence to overturn the original call of possession belonging to the Thunder.
New York, May 14, 2014 – Rod Thorn, NBA President, Basketball Operations, issued the following statement today regarding an instant replay review late in the fourth quarter of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 105-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on May 13, at Chesapeake Energy Arena:
“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. 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.”
This probably won’t make Clipper fans happy, but the NBA has spoken. Time to move on to Game 6.