Mavericks’ Frustration Mounts After Controversial Non-Call in Loss to Pelicans
In the world of sports, few things are as frustrating as a controversial call—or in this case, a non-call—that can potentially change the outcome of a game. The Dallas Mavericks found themselves in such a predicament on Wednesday night when they faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans. The game ended with the Pelicans narrowly edging out the Mavericks 119-116, but it was the final moments that left the Mavericks and their fans in disbelief.
The game was a nail-biter, with the Pelicans managing to outlast the injury-depleted Mavericks. The spotlight, however, was on Trey Murphy III, who made a game-saving block against Spencer Dinwiddie‘s layup attempt with just four seconds left on the clock. The block was initially celebrated as a heroic defensive play, but upon closer inspection, video replays suggested that it might have been a goaltend. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, the referees did not call it as such, and the team was out of timeouts, leaving them unable to challenge the play.
Murphy’s performance was impressive, as he not only contributed defensively but also offensively, scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He capped off his night with game-sealing free throws with just two seconds remaining. Despite his efforts, the controversy surrounding the block overshadowed his achievements.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd expressed his frustration after the game, stating, “The league wants to get it right. The referees have a tough job. They clearly did not get that right, and it cost us maybe the game.” His sentiments were echoed by Dinwiddie, who was visibly upset about the non-call. Dinwiddie, who finished the game with 20 points, explained his strategy, saying, “If people follow my career, and I beat the big or whatever, and I hold it out here, I put it directly on the glass for two reasons. One, I’m tall and long. I’m extending, so they have to jump over and block it. If you do happen to block it, it’s already on the glass and I’m scoring. I’ve literally made a whole bunch of money doing that exact move.”
The Mavericks were already facing an uphill battle, playing without their top two scorers, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, as well as their usual starting center Dereck Lively. Despite these absences, Daniel Gafford stepped up, scoring a career-high 27 points on 12-of-13 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds. However, the Mavericks have now lost three straight games and eight of their last ten, a streak they are eager to break.
On the other side, the Pelicans were buoyed by Dejounte Murray, who scored a game-high 30 points, and Javonte Green, who added 13 points. New Orleans, now 10-32, has won three of its last four games after a dismal start to the season, winning just five of its first 33 games. The Pelicans were also without their star player, Zion Williamson, who was rested after playing the previous night in Chicago.
As the dust settles on this contentious game, the Mavericks will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches. The team and its fans will undoubtedly be hoping for a change in fortune and perhaps a little more luck with officiating in future games.
- Key Players: Trey Murphy III, Spencer Dinwiddie, Daniel Gafford, Dejounte Murray
- Final Score: Pelicans 119, Mavericks 116
- Controversial Moment: Non-call on apparent goaltend
In the end, this game will be remembered not just for the final score but for the controversy that surrounded it. As the NBA season progresses, both teams will be looking to build on their performances, with the Mavericks hoping to turn their luck around and the Pelicans aiming to continue their recent success.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
