The Philadelphia 76ers endured a nail-biting defeat in James Harden’s much-anticipated return to the Wells Fargo Center.
However, the anguish following the 108-107 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers stemmed not from reminiscing about their former star point guard but rather from a critical non-call on the final play.
Tension increased during a jump ball at center court in the last seconds of the game, with the Clippers holding a one-point lead with only 5.1 seconds remaining. The ball became trapped between the rim and backboard as a result of Kawhi Leonard’s forceful block of Kelly Oubre’s potential game-winning layup, setting up this pivotal moment.
The 76ers took advantage of the jump ball opportunity, allowing Oubre to try the game-winning shot. However, the happily ever after was shattered when Paul George touched Oubre while he was attempting the shot.
The next release of the ball came after the game clock had run out, and Leonard finally stopped the effort. George was not given a foul call by the refs, which clearly infuriated both Oubre and head coach Nick Nurse.
Clippers Under Pressure in Western Conference
Oubre responded instantly, slamming against the referees and complaining about what he saw as injustice. NBA referee Kevin Scott later acknowledged that he made a mistake and that George should have been given a foul call during that crucial possession.
In the face of controversy, Oubre addressed the matter in the locker room after the game, apologizing for his outburst and agreeing to take whatever sanctions the league may impose.
As they anxiously await the return of star center Joel Embiid, the 76ers suffered a blow with the loss, dropping their record to 39-34. They are in a tough fight to make the playoffs as they are now the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
As for the Clippers, they were relieved to win because it put an end to a possible three-game losing run and strengthened their record to 45-27.
They are under growing pressure from clubs contending for a better playoff position, like as the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and others, to give up their No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
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