The NBA review of the final two minutes of Monday’s playoff game between the Hawks and Wizards found that DeMarre Carroll was not fouled on a screen set by Nene.
Carroll fell on the play allowing Paul Pierce an open 3-point attempt that would have tied the game with seconds remaining. Pierce missed and the Hawks won the game 106-101 after a pair of Paul Millsap free throws to even the Eastern Conference semifinal 2-2.
Carroll was walking with a pronounced limp after the game. He said he injured his hip on the play during the fall.
The play with 9.5 seconds left was labeled a correct non-call in the report as Nene gave Carroll the opportunity to stop and/or change direction.
Also, Carroll knocked Pierce to the ground after falling. The report stated no foul should have been called on Carroll because he allowed Pierce to return to the floor prior to the incidental contact.
Another call at issue came on the ensuing possession when many believed Kyle Korver travelled with 3.2 seconds left. A turnover would have given the Wizards another attempt to tie the game. According to the report, Korver slid when receiving the inbound pass. From the report: “Players that fall to the floor while holding the ball (or stopping) may not gain an advantage by sliding.” The review found no advantage was gained.
In all, 12 calls in the final two minutes were reviewed. Only one incorrect non-call was found. The report stated the Korver should have been called for an offensive foul while setting a screen on Nene with 1:23 remaining. At the time, the Hawks led 104-97.
The NBA issues the assessment of officiated events that occurred in the last two minutes of games which are within five points at the two-minute mark.
