“NBA Updates Replay Rules: Out-of-Bounds Reviews Can Now Include Missed Foul Calls”
The NBA announced a rule change on Tuesday, broadening the scope of what can be altered during a review of an out-of-bounds call. As reported by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, instant replay on such plays can now include whether a foul should have been called. The NBA referred to Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves as an example.
In the last minute of that game, with the Timberwolves ahead by two, Jaden McDaniels lost control of the ball, which went out of bounds. The play was initially ruled out on Kyrie Irving, but Mavericks coach Jason Kidd challenged the decision after Irving’s insistence. Upon review, it was determined that the ball last touched McDaniels, as Irving had only made contact with McDaniels’ arm and not the ball. The Mavericks regained possession. Under the new rule, this would have been reversed to a foul call, which, if a team is in the bonus, could result in free throws. However, since the Timberwolves weren’t in the bonus, it would have just been a regular non-shooting foul.
Following that, Luka Doncic hit his iconic game-winning shot over Rudy Gobert with 40 seconds left, giving Dallas a 2-0 series lead after winning both games in Minnesota. Despite the out-of-bounds call, the Timberwolves missed a shot afterward, setting the stage for Doncic’s game-winner.
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