NBA Admits the Refs Screwed the Raptors in Big Way at End of Game 5
By Daniel Lubofsky
The Golden State Warriors managed to pull out a thrilling 106-105 victory in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to extend the series another game. But do they deserve it?
The one-point victory was the first for a team facing elimination in the Finals since the Los Angeles Lakers in 1988. New information, however, suggests maybe the results should've been different.
The NBA says there was an incorrect no-call with 49 seconds left in last night's game. Last two minute report says officials should have put Marc Gasol on the line for two shots after being fouled by DeMarcus Cousins on a drive.
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) June 11, 2019
Kind of big in a 1-point game?
According to the last two-minute report issued out by the NBA following each game, the league admitted guilt in a no-call on DeMarcus Cousins that should've sent Marc Gasol to the free-throw line with 49 seconds remaining.
There's no guarantee Gasol would've knocked down both or even one of those free throw, but he should have been given the opportunity, and with a career clip of 77.7% from the charity stripe, it certainly raises the thought of "what if?"
Last Two Minute Report says this should have been a foul on DeMarcus Cousins at the rim against Marc Gasol pic.twitter.com/kxnwi7WrfE
— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) June 11, 2019
Gasol is also shooting 95.5% from the line during the series, and had knocked down 7-of-8 foul shots already in Game 5. The Raptors the chance to cut the lead to one which would have altered the forthcoming plays, but an err from the officials negated that opportunity.
The refs swallowed their whistle and the series is now headed to Oracle Arena for what is sure to be a thrilling Game 6. The Raptors could be at risk of blowing a 3-1 lead of their own, as a loss in Oakland could see the series tied at 3-3. This call could come back to haunt the city of Toronto.