In the intense atmosphere of the NBA Finals, every play can alter the course of a game, and sometimes, a whole series. The Dallas Mavericks felt the weight of this truth in Game 2 against the Boston Celtics.
After a rough loss in Game 1, the Mavericks were eager to bounce back in Boston. But as they head home, down 2-0 in the series, they can’t help but wonder what might have been if the referees had seen things differently in a crucial moment late in the game.
The Game-Changing Fastbreak
With just under a minute left in the game, the Mavericks had clawed their way back from a double-digit deficit, cutting the Celtics’ lead to five points. Forward PJ Washington had a clear path on a fastbreak and was ready to slam the ball home to bring Dallas within three.
However, Boston’s Derrick White and Jaylen Brown were hot on his heels. They managed to block Washington’s shot in what appeared to be a clean defensive play.
But was it?
The Controversial No-Call
Replays of the block reveal a different story. As Washington went up for the dunk, Brown seemed to push him in the back, and White’s block appeared to involve more contact with Washington’s hand than the ball. Despite this, the referees did not call a foul, and the Celtics retained their lead.
Even Mike Breen, the ABC and ESPN commentator calling the game, expressed his belief that a foul should have been called. He highlighted the apparent shove by Brown and the questionable contact by White, which the slow-motion replay supported.
The Impact and Frustration
This non-call was a pivotal moment. Had the foul been called, Washington would have had the chance to shoot free throws, potentially cutting the Celtics’ lead to just three points with enough time left to alter the game’s outcome.
Though it’s impossible to predict how things might have played out, the Mavericks’ odds would certainly have been better with those free throws.
Such officiating controversies are common topics of heated debate, especially in the Finals. While the Celtics and their fans may not mind the absence of the foul call, Mavericks supporters and the team itself are left feeling aggrieved, particularly as this call deepens their series deficit.
Moving Forward: The Road Back Home
As the series moves to Dallas, the Mavericks face the daunting task of overturning a 0-2 series score. The controversial no-call is a tough pill to swallow, but they must put it behind them and focus on defending their home court. The energy from their home crowd might be just what they need to turn things around.
Despite the setback, the Mavericks have shown resilience and now have the chance to channel their frustration into determination.
They must seize this opportunity to rewrite their Finals story and keep their championship hopes alive. With their backs against the wall, the Mavericks need to dig deep, play with heart, and make the most of their home-court advantage in the upcoming games.