NBA Referee Explains Ruling on Warriors-Thunder Controversial Finish

The Warriors defeated the Thunder on Friday night following a controversial final play, as Stephen Curry’s winning layup was counted despite potential basket interference from teammate Draymond Green. Referees determined that although Green touched the rim before the ball went through the hoop, he did not impact the ball.

Although the referees initially called basket interference and waved off the basket, they overturned the call after a video review. After the game, crew chief Mitchell Ervin explained the decision to let the basket count.

“It was clear and conclusive evidence that Draymond does not touch the ball,” he said, via a pool report. “Although Draymond does touch the rim, he does not touch the ball, nor does him touching the rim cause the ball to take an unnatural bounce therefore a basketball violation does not occur on the play.”

If the referees would have upheld the call, the game would have gone to overtime with the score tied at 139. Instead, the Warriors squeaked out a two-point victory to improve to 5-1 on the season. The Thunder dropped to 3-3.

Aside from final play, Ervin also was asked why the Warriors weren’t called for delay of game when the Thunder were ready to inbound the basketball after Curry’s final basket, to which Ervin said the referees had to clear up “multiple administrative matters” before restarting play.

“It’s our responsibility to assure that there are 10 players on the court and ready to play, and we completed that task,” Ervin said.