In a tightly contested matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets, a critical missed call may have swung the game’s outcome, culminating in a 120-118 loss for Memphis. The NBA’s “Last Two-Minute Report” revealed that Rockets forward Dillon Brooks, a former Grizzlies player, should have been penalized for an offensive foul with just 27.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter. This call could have resulted in Brooks fouling out of the game.
At the moment, the Grizzlies were trailing 116-115 as Houston was in the process of inbounding the ball. Brooks made contact with rookie Jaylen Wells, causing him to fall and allowing Jalen Green of the Rockets to receive the inbound pass without challenge. The report clarified that Brooks’ contact effectively displaced Wells from his defensive position.
Had the foul been called, Memphis would have retained possession and an opportunity to reclaim the lead, while the Rockets would have been unable to commit an intentional foul. Subsequently, Houston capitalized on this oversight, scoring on two free throws by Amen Thompson to extend their lead. In a further twist of fate, Grizzlies star Ja Morant missed two crucial free throws on the ensuing possession.
This missed call marked the second consecutive game in which the L2M report highlighted a significant oversight against Wells. In a prior game against the Timberwolves, the report indicated that Anthony Edwards should have been penalized for an offensive foul against Wells with just over 12 seconds on the clock.
With the Western Conference being highly competitive, every win carries substantial weight for teams like the Grizzlies. Memphis is set to face off against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, where they will be looking to bounce back and regain momentum.
In conclusion, while officials’ calls can often be debated, it remains clear that games hinge on pivotal moments like this. The Grizzlies will certainly seek to harness the lessons learned from these recent games as they prepare for future matchups, underscoring the importance of resilience and focus in the demanding landscape of the NBA.