Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is liable to throw down some of the most exciting dunks you will ever see during an NBA game.
Gordon, who was presented with his first championship ring before the game against the Lakers on Tuesday night, had a beautiful alley-oop after catching a pass from Nuggets guard Jamal Murray. It was an immediate highlight that should make Denver fans excited for the upcoming season.
Anyone can watch the slam below and come away blown away by Gordon’s remarkable vertical pop and top-tier athleticism. It is one of his best traits on the court.
MURRAY TO GORDON ON THE LOB 🤯#KiaTipOff23 | Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/iYCNQuMIts
— NBA (@NBA) October 25, 2023
There is, however, one pretty big problem with this possession. According to the NBA’s rulebook, this basket shouldn’t have counted:
“A Player Shall Not: Touch the ball or the basket ring when the ball is sitting or rolling on the ring and using the basket ring as its lower base or hang on the rim while the ball is passing through.”
While it is always a bummer to see an awesome highlight get called back, this was clearly a violation of the rules that still somehow counted.
As announced in March, the NBA is using Sony's Hawk-Eye technology this season to enhance officiating. Starting tonight, Replay Center officials have access to Hawk-Eye tools to determine ball flight and ball-in-cylinder to assist with goaltending and basket-interference reviews.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 24, 2023
However, despite the fact the NBA announced it would begin using Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology to help rule on basket-interference reviews, this one wasn’t called.
It is only the first game of the season, though, so referees are still clearly getting adjusted to the new year of basketball as well.
