The controversially reversed foul call against Kevin Durant cost the Utah Jazz a 140-137 loss against the Phoenix Suns.
In the last seconds of double overtime, Durant was called for a three-shot foul against Lauri Markkanen. The Suns challenged the call and were successful in having the original decision reversed, which put an end to the game.
With Durant scoring 39 and Markkanen scoring 38, the Jazz finished the season with a 4-9 record.
While the officials got a second chance to review the final play, ultimately overturning their original foul call, several members of the Jazz felt the wrong call was made.
Markkanen, who originally thought he was headed to the free throw line with a chance to tie the game, explained his perspective after the loss.
“I think he got ball, but he hit my left arm,” Markkanen said. “That’s what I thought that they called the foul on.”
Officials deliberated for several minutes after the Suns challenge before signaling the end of hte game.
“There was clear and conclusive evidence that Durant made legal contact to the basketball blocking the shot first,” Crew Cheif Zach Zarba said when asked about the play. “That’s why the challenge was ruled successful.”
“I believe that’s three points plus a look for, I can’t think of the technical term, but for keeping Lowry from landing.”
Both Markkanen’s landing area and a foul committed on his offhand that they determined had no bearing on the play were questioned by the officials.
“The crucial element in this case was the unequivocal and convincing proof that Durant reached the basketball first,” Zarba stated. We consider anything that comes after it to be incidental.
After the Suns victory, Durant gave a more straightforward assessment on the situation.
“It was absurd to even mention that,” the Suns player remarked. “I knew I didn’t touch him at all, and I knew I blocked the shot.”
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