NBA confirms Celtics got away with 2 late-game calls in Game 5 win over Sixers
This may have changed the outcome of the game.
The Boston Celtics got away with a non-call foul and a travel in the final 14 seconds of their Game 5 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, according to the NBA’s Last Two Minute report. The win clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals for Boston, and they won by just one possession, 114-112.
The first blown call came with 14.6 seconds to go and the Sixers trailing by two points. Center Joel Embiid went up for a layup and got slapped by Celtics’ big Aaron Baynes, but a foul wasn’t called. That was the incorrect decision according to the report, which cites the contact to Embiid’s arm affected his attempt around the rim.
You can see the play here:
Was Joel Embiid fouled? pic.twitter.com/XKhJG5bjmQ
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 10, 2018
The second missed call was after Marcus Smart intercepted a last-second Ben Simmons heave pass downcourt in attempt to get a game-tying or game-winning shot off. Smart then backpedaled after the catch, resulting in a travel that wasn’t called with 1.5 seconds to spare.
You can watch that play here:
Marcus Smart proving his cornerback skills on this interception. Problem? In basketball, you can't backpedal afterward without dribbling. This looks like a travel. Would've been an even wilder ending, though, if some brave ref actually called it. pic.twitter.com/LTUlaUHcmy
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) May 10, 2018
It’s bad luck for Sixers fans, but The Process is still young.