Watch the replay and ask yourself who it went off of:
There are many, many ways to interpret that rule and try to figure out exactly how the referees made the call they wanted. One rule that began to get circulated on Twitter and used as an interpretation suggests that it should have been Thunder ball and the correct call was made:
https://twitter.com/highkin/status/466438775024140290
That did not stop Doc Rivers and a few Clippers players from letting the world know how they felt.
https://twitter.com/Matt_Barnes22/status/466446105820278785
A pool reporter spoke with lead referee Tony Brothers about the call and received this response, claiming the replay was inconclusive:
The referee explanation of the controversial call in #Clippers – #Thunder Game 5. (Via @SpearsNBAYahoo) pic.twitter.com/W7ryEzirpg
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 14, 2014
The bottom line at the end of the day was the Thunder escaped with a 3-2 series lead after a 105-104 win at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City took that lead with a Russell Westbrook foul on a 3-pointer. Chris Paul appeared to hit Westbrook’s elbow and the referees, already receiving heat from the Clippers bench, blew the whistle.
Westbrook drained all three free throws. Chris Paul, coming off a bizarre turnover when he expected a foul and flung the ball into the air from mid court, leaving it to be intercepted to start that Reggie Jackson foul controversy, tried to drive the lane, appeared to be fouled himself and lost control of the ball. Serge Ibaka picked it up and the game ended.
The Clippers were left with a gripe at the officiating and a 3-2 deficit to face Thursday night in Saturday.
Chris Paul took the right approach though. He blamed his turnovers late in the game and the brain farts that caused Los Angeles to lose a seven-point lead with less than a minute to play.
Blake Griffin scored 24 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. Paul had 17 points and 14 assists. Jamal Crawford scored 19 points, getting multiple fouls on 3-pointers. Kevin Durant scored 27 points on a woeful 6-for-22 shooting. Russell Westbrook charged the Thunder all game with 38 points.
But everyone will remember the call at the end.
Get ready for Game Six.
SMH
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 14, 2014
