NBA Admits Referees Missed Crucial Goaltending Call in Mavericks’ Loss

DALLAS, Texas — The NBA acknowledged Thursday that officials missed a critical goaltending call in the final seconds of Wednesday night’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, a decision that may have cost the Mavericks a victory.

With 15 seconds remaining and Dallas trailing 117-116, Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie attempted a go-ahead layup after a midcourt steal. Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III blocked the shot, but replays showed the ball had already hit the backboard, which should have resulted in a goaltending call. The no-call left the Mavericks unable to challenge the play, as they were out of timeouts.

“It cost us maybe the game,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said after the game. “The referees have a tough job, but they clearly did not get that one right.”

The NBA confirmed the error in its Last Two Minute Report, stating that Murphy blocked the shot after the ball made contact with the backboard and had a chance to score. Had the call been made, Dallas would have taken a one-point lead with five seconds remaining. Instead, New Orleans secured a 119-116 victory after Murphy made two free throws with one second left.

Dinwiddie, whose shot was at the center of the controversy, explained his strategy. “I put it directly on the glass for two reasons: I’m tall and extended, so they would have to jump over me to block it. If you do happen to block it, it’s already hit the glass. I’m scoring because either it’s a layup or you’re goaltending,” he said.

Despite the missed call, the Mavericks opted not to file a formal protest. General manager Nico Harrison said, “You can do an appeal, but it’s not going to change the outcome. Refs make mistakes. It’s frustrating, but you have to move on to the next game.”

The game, which featured standout performances from Mavericks star Luka Dončić and Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, has reignited debates about officiating in the NBA. Kidd criticized the referees for not using the review system to correct the error. “The review is to protect the officials and try to get it right,” he said. “In the last two minutes, if they thought something happened, they should’ve blown the whistle to get it right.”

The Mavericks, who led by seven points with six minutes remaining, squandered multiple opportunities to secure the win. The loss dropped them to 24-20 on the season, while the Pelicans improved to 19-25.