In a narrow defeat for the Memphis Grizzlies, a missed call in the final moments of Monday’s game against the Houston Rockets may have significantly impacted the outcome. The Grizzlies lost 120-118, but the NBA’s “Last Two-Minute Report” (L2M) released on Tuesday highlights a critical error that could have altered the game’s trajectory.
According to the L2M report, Rockets forward Dillon Brooks, a former Grizzlies player, should have been penalized for an offensive foul with just 27.9 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Brooks ran into Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells, dislodging him and allowing Rockets guard Jalen Green to receive an inbound pass with ease. The report specifies, “Brooks (Hou) leans into Wells (Mem) and delivers contact, dislodging him from his defensive position.”
Following this play, the Rockets capitalized with two free throws from Amen Thompson, extending their lead to three points. Memphis faced an uphill battle when Ja Morant missed consecutive free throws on their next possession, which would have allowed them to close the gap.
This incident marks the second consecutive game where key calls went against Wells and the Grizzlies. Prior to this, in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the L2M report indicated that Anthony Edwards should have received an offensive foul for a similar infraction.
With every win essential in the highly competitive Western Conference, the Grizzlies will look to build on their performance and overcome the setbacks in their next matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
The missed calls underscore the intense scrutiny officiating faces in the league and the importance of accuracy in high-stakes moments. As the Grizzlies regroup and prepare for future challenges, they remain focused on refining their approach and minimizing mistakes.
In summary, while the Grizzlies faced disappointment with the close loss and missed calls, they aim to bounce back against the Spurs, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.