The Boston Celtics may have grabbed an overtime victory over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers Saturday night, but shortly after the final horn, the NBA admitted the referees missed a crucial foul on LeBron James that would have given James a chance to ice the game at the free throw line.
The NBA officials’ pool report was quite clear on what happened as time expired. “There was contact. At the time, during the game, we did not see a foul. The crew missed the play.” James was apoplectic in the moment at the missed call, and equally frustrated after the game.
Lakers guard Patrick Beverley even grabbed a media member’s camera and brought it over to one of the refs in protest, earning a prompt technical foul.
Jaylen Brown and the Celtics overcame a slow start to drop 37 on the visiting Lakers as Boston grabbed a 125-121 victory in overtime. https://t.co/CJKn11V090
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 29, 2023
Regardless, the game transitioned to overtime and Boston went on to grab a win, snapping the team’s three-game losing streak. Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who made contact on the would-be call, was asked about the moment during his postgame press conference.
“The last two minutes and overtime were a blur,” Tatum said with a grin. “I don’t really know what happened.”
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Tatum had a bit of a tough night, though he and Jaylen Brown both came alive when the team needed them most. Tatum logged 47 minutes of action, openly admitting he was quite tired after the game. Perhaps that’s why he was unable to recollect what happened on that final play in regulation.
“I’ve got to watch the game on film,” Tatum said. “Everything happened so fast.”
Boston plays host to Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets and Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns in the coming week. The Celtics are now 36-15 on the season.
Jayson Tatum on the missed foul call on LeBron James at the end of regulation:
Last two minutes and overtime were a blur. I don’t really know WHAT happened. pic.twitter.com/eoYmSinDZo
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) January 29, 2023
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