In a closely contested game, the Memphis Grizzlies suffered a heartbreaking 120-118 defeat to the Houston Rockets, and a controversial missed call has drawn scrutiny. According to the NBA’s “Last Two-Minute Report,” Rockets forward Dillon Brooks, a former Grizzlies player, should have faced an offensive foul with just 27.9 seconds left in the game. This call could have significantly altered the course of the match.
As Memphis trailed 116-115, Brooks made contact with rookie Jaylen Wells, creating an opportunity for Houston guard Jalen Green to receive the inbound pass unchallenged. The report stated, “Brooks (Hou) leans into Wells (Mem) and delivers contact, dislodging him from his defensive position.” Had Brooks been called for his sixth foul, Memphis would have gained possession and a chance to reclaim the lead.
Empowered by the uncalled foul, the Rockets extended their lead with two free throws from Amen Thompson, pushing the score to 118-115. The Grizzlies subsequently faced a pressing situation, with Ja Morant missing two crucial free throws on their next possession.
This missed call follows another oversight in Memphis’s recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the L2M report indicated that Anthony Edwards also should have been penalized for a foul against Wells. In the cutthroat atmosphere of the Western Conference, where each victory carries immense value, such mistakes weigh heavily.
The Grizzlies (25-15) are already looking ahead to their next game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, hoping to bounce back from this challenging loss. Every matchup is crucial as they strive for playoff positioning in a fiercely competitive league.
This incident highlights the ongoing conversation around officiating in the NBA, reminding fans and teams alike of the fine margins that can determine outcomes in professional sports. However, with resilience and focus, Memphis has the opportunity to regroup and continue their pursuit of success in the coming games.