Please read the site note at the bottom of the page.
Fans of the Orlando Magic still continue to fuss about the possible goaltending violation that occurred at the end of regulation in Game 2 of the this year’s NBA Finals. Was it or wasn’t it? We can debate it all day every day. And for the rest of their lives, Magic fans will say it was goaltending, while fans of the Los Angeles Lakers will wholeheartedly disagree! But, whether or not this specific play was goaltending is not the question posed by Sports Geek.
Sports Geek asks if the NBA should get more involved, and allow replay to look at a possible game changing play at the end of a game. I believe that the NBA should allow expanded rules for replays for exactly these types of potentially controversial plays, and I certainly hope they pursue this sooner rather than later.
As Sports Geek mentioned, NBA officials are currently allowed to go back and look at video to determine what, if any, discrepancies occurred regarding time issues, possible flagrant fouls, and players leaving the bench during altercations. I think it’s safe to say most everyone is happy that these changes that were made. But, I think I speak for many, (including all Magic fans) that we want more!
What’s the harm in reviewing plays at the end of the game – plays that could affect the outcome of the game? Of course, you don’t want it to drag on too long and extend the real time of the game to the point where everyone involved gets frustrated. But, shouldn’t everyone want the right call to be made? Do you want your team to get the shaft and have defeat snatched from the jaws of victory due to a bogus call? It could happen, folks, and it could happen to your team (maybe it just did!)! These officials are human and they make mistakes. ESPN/ABC color analyst Jeff Van Gundy thinks they make too many mistakes, but that’s likely a debate for another time!
Now, what NBA Commissioner David Stern and Company will have to decide is what decides what a reviewable play is? That’s where it gets interesting. Though I’m not sure I’m on board with reviewing everything that Sports Geek mentioned in the question (imagine overturning a charge), I definitely feel like it’s something that should be looked at in the off-season.
Let’s say the ball bounces off the foot off of Team A’s player with a second remaining, yet the official rules that it is Team A’s ball. Why not replay this? MLB and the NFL have taken steps to look at plays like this. It’s time for the NBA to follow suit!
Read the intro and Bleacher Fan’s opinion before you vote.
