NBA Report Says Refs Blew Call Late in Blazers-Nuggets OT Game

The Portland Trail Blazers lost a heartbreaking game to the Denver Nuggets on Monday evening. The final score was 137-132, Denver, in overtime. But before that, the teams were tied at 125 apiece at the end of regulation.

The rundown of officiating calls tabbed an incorrect whistle against Blazers center Robert Williams III versus Denver center Nikola Jokic with 1:50 remaining in the fourth period. The officials called a personal foul on Williams, resulting in two free throws for Jokic. The report suggests that the actual infraction went the other way:

Jokic (DEN) clamps and holds Williams’ (POR) arm, which affects his ability defend the drive. An offensive foul should have been called on Jokic.

Jokic made both free throws, taking Portland’s lead from 3 points to 1 as the game closed.

The report judged all other calls and non-calls in the final two minutes of regulation and throughout overtime as correct.