Depending on which team you prefer, the closing moments of Game 5 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers were memorable for different reasons. Despite trailing by 13 points with under four minutes remaining, and by 7 with under 50 seconds left, the Thunder stormed back to steal the game from the Clippers.
The win has not come without controversy. After a Thunder steal, OKC guard Reggie Jackson drove to the basket and had the ball knocked away by the Clippers Matt Barnes. The video review of the play clearly showed two things. A) Barnes had fouled Jackson on the play and B) the ball had gone off of Jackson’s hand last.
While the foul was not reviewable, possession was, and the refs decided to award it to the Thunder. Following the decision, Russell Westbrook was fouled by Chris Paul on a three point attempt, hit all of his free throws, and ultimately gave OKC an improbable win.
This has lead to plenty of reaction, including Doc Rivers saying his team was “robbed” of the win. Now Barnes, never one to bite his tongue, has weighed in on the play via Instagram.
While the Clippers may have a gripe, the game is over and both teams must move on. If Los Angeles can’t do so, their season could be over following Game 6 tomorrow night.
