The Boston Celtics took a commanding 3-2 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday evening, outlasting the visitors behind a big night from Al Horford and the energy provided by the return of Marcus Smart. While Boston may have triumphed regardless, there was a bit of officiating controversy during the stretch run, as the Celtics appeared to commit a shot clock violation with 1:18 remaining and the game still very much in doubt.
https://twitter.com/TheRenderNBA/status/988955291667632129
While the live action can often paint a difficult picture to decipher, a still shot is revealing and it was clear that the Bucks (and their fan base) had a legitimate gripe.
https://twitter.com/BrianPickett/status/988961034495983617
It should be noted that Milwaukee was never able to slash the lead to fewer than four points within the final 90 seconds and, as a result, this singular (missed) call did not necessarily swing the outcome. Still, the Celtics were able to maintain possession of the ball for nearly a full minute as a result of the non-call and an offensive rebound, leaving the Bucks with far less time to execute their desired comeback.
Following the game, Bucks interim head coach Joe Prunty was prompted about the play.
Prunty voices his opinion on the controversial non-call of a shot clock violation down the stretch in a Game 5 loss to Boston. #Bucks pic.twitter.com/TkgLD0QgqD
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) April 25, 2018
Prunty was predictably diplomatic but Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe reportedly was not in sharing his (very) pointed opinion.
Reporter: “Did you guys get any explanation about Al Horford’s shot clock violation?”
Eric Bledsoe: “I think it was bullshit. Point blank.”
Bucks PR: “Thanks, Eric.”
*end interview*
— Ben Rohrbach (@brohrbach) April 25, 2018
Giannis Antetokounmpo gave further explanation to what he was told by officials as to why it wasn’t reviewed despite being inside two minutes.
Giannis, when asked about the non-call when Horford shot after the shot-clock buzzer, said he was told the play is only reviewable if the shot is made or if it’s an airball. Not reviewable on a miss.
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) April 25, 2018
In the end, Milwaukee lost this game more on the strength of a struggling offense than a singular officiating decision in the final seconds. Still, this type of easily fixable non-call can be incredibly frustrating and it will be interesting to see how the Bucks respond back in Milwaukee when facing elimination in Game 6.
