NBA confirms odd Russell Westbrook foul call in Kings’ OT loss to Trail Blazers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Kings can’t catch a break this season.
Just when it appeared they were well on their way toward win No. 7 on the season, the unthinkable happened Thursday night at Moda Center.
Advertisement
Russell Westbrook was called for a foul on Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija with 1.5 seconds remaining in overtime. Even after an initial review, officials deemed that the foul occurred before time expired, sending Avdija to the free-throw line, where he knocked down the game-winning free throw.
With several hours to further review the call, the NBA confirmed the foul on Westbrook was the correct call in the league’s Last Two Minute Report, which states that Westbrook raised his right arm up into Avdija’s arm and initiated contact “that affects his shot attempt.”
It was a true rollercoaster ride for the Kings, who went back and forth with the Trail Blazers through the first three quarters before letting the game slip away in the fourth and then coming back from being down 15 points in the final two minutes of regulation to force overtime.
Advertisement
DeMar DeRozan, who knocked down a 3-pointer to send the game to overtime, was clutch again in the extra quarter as he made a 14-foot turnaround jumpshot that gave Sacramento the 1-point lead with 4.4 seconds left.
Celebration quickly turned into confusion and catastrophe for the Kings, who lost 134-133.
Luckily for them, they don’t have to wait long to get their revenge as they host the Trail Blazers on Saturday at Golden 1 Center.
Download and follow The Deuce & Mo Podcast