The Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers clashed in a nail-biting Pacific Division showdown on Monday night. The Clippers managed to secure their eighth win of the season, narrowly defeating the Warriors 113-110 and handing them their third loss. However, controversy surrounds the game after the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report revealed significant officiating errors in critical moments.
A Battle to the Wire
The game had all the ingredients of an instant classic: two powerhouse teams, late-game heroics, and razor-thin margins. The Warriors, known for their resilience and led by Steph Curry, fought valiantly to force a tie in the final possession. Curry and his teammates had two chances to send the game into overtime, but the Clippers held firm.
This marked the Clippers’ second victory over the Warriors this season, showcasing their ability to counter Golden State’s typically dominant offense. But while fans celebrated the intense battle, post-game discussions quickly shifted to officiating errors that disadvantaged the Warriors.
NBA’s Last Two Minute Report: Big Misses in Critical Moments
In its Last Two Minute Report, the NBA highlighted three officiating mistakes during pivotal plays in the game’s closing minutes. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Out-of-Bounds Misstep
With less than two minutes to go, Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. tipped the ball out of bounds before his teammate Norman Powell attempted to recover it. According to the NBA, possession should have gone to the Warriors.
“Jones Jr. (LAC) makes contact with the ball, and it goes out of bounds before Powell (LAC) attempts to keep it in play,” the report stated.
2. Push on Buddy Hield
On the same possession, Clippers guard Terance Mann was accused of pushing Warriors guard Buddy Hield in the back, causing him to lose balance.
“Mann (LAC) pushes Hield (GSW) in the back, causing him to lose his balance,” the NBA confirmed.
3. Palming Violation
With just over a minute remaining, Mann committed a palming violation during his dribble, which went uncalled.
“Mann (LAC) brings his hand underneath the ball and to a pause during his dribble,” the report noted.
What These Missed Calls Mean for the Warriors
While none of these missed calls directly resulted in points for the Clippers, they disrupted the Warriors’ defensive momentum during critical moments. With such a tight scoreline, these errors added another layer of frustration for Warriors fans and players alike.
The Warriors are no strangers to battling adversity, but games like these highlight the importance of accurate officiating, especially in high-stakes matchups. For Golden State, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but it also underscores their need to refine execution in close games and not leave outcomes at the mercy of officiating.
