Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban didn't hold back as he blasted the referees for the costly blunder that doomed the Mavs against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
With under two minutes remaining in the third quarter of the game, the Warriors got extra two points after Dallas failed to defend against them during an inbound play following a timeout. The Mavs were on the other end of the court lining up to initiate the offense, only to realize that the Dubs had the possession. Making matters worse for the Texas franchise, they ended up losing 127-125.
Warriors get a free bucket after the Mavs defend the wrong basket 😅
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 23, 2023
(via @warriors)pic.twitter.com/Uwtsnbqw4d
Mark Cuban Slams Mavs-Warriors Officiating for 'Worst' Call Ever
After the game, Cuban took to Twitter to explain what happened. He revealed that the referees initially signaled that they have the possession heading to the timeout, but they suddenly changed it and didn't inform them, leading to the major blunder.
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The Mavs owner called it the "worst officiating non call" he has seen, adding that it definitely cost them the game.
"For those wondering about the play with 1:54 to go on the 3rd, let me explain what happened. The ref called Mavs ball. The announcer announced it. Then there was a timeout. During the time out the official changed the call and never told us. Then when they saw us line up as if it were our ball, he just gave the ball to the Warriors. Never said a word to us" Cuban shared.
"They got an easy basketball. Crazy that it would matter in a 2 point game. Worst officiating non call mistake possibly in the history of the NBA . All they had to do was tell us and they didn't."
In a follow-up tweet, Cuban shared another proof there was miscommunication on the refereeing, noting that the other referee thought it was their ball as well.
For what it's worth, NBA officials have since explained that the referees didn't make a mistake, highlighting that the Warriors were given the possession all along. Nonetheless, there was indeed a signal pointing at the Mavs, but it was due to the timeout they called and not for the possession of the ball.
The Mavs plan to file a complaint to the NBA to address the issue. It is unknown how the appeal will affect the result of the game, though it's certainly something to keep an eye on.
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