NBA admits officials missed crucial calls in Sacramento Kings’ loss to Toronto Raptors
Officials missed two calls that could have changed the outcome of the Kings’ 131-128 overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena.
The NBA acknowledged Sunday that officials missed one call against the Raptors late in the fourth quarter and another in overtime. Both calls would have given the Kings an opportunity to take the lead at a critical stage in the game.
According to the Last 2 Minute Report, Raptors guard RJ Barrett should have been called for traveling when he shuffled his feet on an inbounds play with 19 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
“Barrett (TOR) repositions his pivot foot on the ground to create space from the defender while in possession of the ball,” the Last 2 Minute Report said.
The Kings trailed 119-118 at the time. Instead of getting the ball and a chance to win the game, the Kings were forced to foul Barrett, who made one of two free throws to put Toronto up 120-118. The Kings sent the game to overtime when Domantas Sabonis tipped in a shot with 2.1 seconds to play in regulation.
Officials missed another critical call in overtime. Raptors guard Gradey Dick should have been called for a personal foul on Kings guard De’Aaron Fox with 1:01 remaining. Fox was driving for a potential go-ahead basket with his team trailing 126-125.
The Last 2 Minute Report states: “Dick (TOR) raises his left hand up as he attempts to align along Fox’s (SAC) path and contact occurs with Fox’s head/face, which affects his SQBR (speed, quickness, balance, rhythm) during the drive.
The play resulted in a turnover for Fox. Barrett came up with the loose ball. Barrett made a breakaway layup while drawing a foul on DeMar DeRozan, giving the Raptors a three-point play and a 129-125 lead with 54.1 seconds to go.
