The NBA confirmed two significant officiating mistakes during Game 1 of the playoff series between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. Although these errors did not alter the game’s outcome, they could have influenced the momentum.
In high-stakes NBA playoff games, even a single whistle can change the course of the game. This has been evident throughout this year’s postseason, where teams’ momentum swings have often hinged on crucial calls. To address such issues, the NBA releases a last two-minute report (NBA L2M) after each game. The report from Game 1 between the Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum, and the Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton, highlighted three key mistakes that could have affected either team, as reported by Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files.
The first error occurred at the 1:46 mark of the fourth quarter. Myles Turner of the Pacers was patrolling the paint to prevent easy layups. However, he stayed in the key for too long, which should have been called a defensive three-second violation. The referees missed this call, frustrating Celtics fans who spotted the infraction.
The second mistake happened at the 1:01 mark. The NBA L2M report noted that Tyrese Haliburton traveled, but this violation went unnoticed during the game. Many fans, including armchair analysts, immediately identified the travel during the live broadcast. Celtics fans were particularly irked but relieved that the non-call did not ultimately cost their team the game.
The final clarification involved a play between Jaylen Brown and Pascal Siakam. Brown appeared to grab Siakam’s uniform while pursuing the ball with 10 seconds remaining. Pacers fans were outraged by the no-call, which allowed Tyrese Haliburton to attempt a shot that Jayson Tatum successfully contested, sending the game into overtime.
Despite these officiating errors, the Celtics managed to prevail, showcasing their clutch performance. Jaylen Brown hit a game-tying shot that earned the iconic double bang call from announcer Mike Breen. Jayson Tatum took charge in overtime, starting with a steal from Aaron Nesmith, followed by crucial free throws, a layup, a step-back three-pointer, and additional free throws to seal the victory.
This game highlighted the Celtics’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure, countering criticism that they lacked battle-tested experience. The Pacers pushed them to their limits, forcing them to execute flawlessly in the clutch. Both teams will likely continue to provide an exciting and competitive series as the playoffs progress.
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