Referees Acknowledge Missed Foul on 76ers' Final Drive in Loss to Clippers

The conclusion of the Philadelphia 76ers versus LA Clippers game on Wednesday night was filled with intense moments, video reviews, and impressive performances from both teams. Ultimately, the Clippers emerged victorious with a 108-107 score, but not without some controversy.

During the final play of the game, with the 76ers trailing by a single point, Kelly Oubre Jr., a forward for Philadelphia, made a driving move towards the basket. As he collided with Paul George, a forward for the Clippers, no foul was called by the referees. Consequently, the clock ran out, securing the win for the Clippers.

Describe this final possession in one word: ______ pic.twitter.com/aHIWDKhkuO

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 28, 2024

Following the controversial play, both Kelly Oubre and 76ers coach Nick Nurse were visibly frustrated and engaged in a heated exchange with the officials. Their teammates stepped in to separate them from the referees. Oubre, who had a solid performance with 17 points and 11 rebounds despite the loss, expressed his dissatisfaction with the referees using explicit language. This incident quickly gained attention on NBA social media platforms and has since gone viral.

"First and foremost, heat of the moment, this is an intense basketball game, of course. We're not perfect, the refs aren't perfect," Oubre said after the game of his behavior. "I want to apologize for just losing my cool, because that's something I try to work on each and every day, and try to represent God in the best way I possibly can, and that wasn't it. I just ask for forgiveness.

"... At the end of the day it wasn't cool, so I'll take whatever penalties come with that and have to move on. But I've got to be better, in a sense."

Kelly Oubre Jr, on his heated exchange with the refs after the game.

"I want to apologize for just losing my cool, because that's something I try to work on each and every day, and try to represent God in the best way I possibly can, and that wasn't it. I just ask for… pic.twitter.com/OK9w4dbRcp

— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) March 28, 2024

Adding to the frustration of Philadelphia fans, the referees admitted their error after the game, acknowledging that a foul should have been called on Paul George during Kelly Oubre's drive to the basket. This would have given Oubre an opportunity to take the lead from the free throw line with less than a second remaining.

Crew chief Kevin Scott stated in the postgame pool report, "On the last play on the floor, in real time the crew interpreted that play as the defender jumping vertically. However, in post-game video review we did observe some slight drift to his left by the defender George, and a foul should have been ruled."

Missed calls are a part of the game, but those that occur during crucial moments often face heightened scrutiny. Although the referees admitted their mistake, it does little to ease the disappointment of the Sixers, who are striving to secure a position outside of the play-in tournament in the Eastern Conference.

Fortunately for Philadelphia, they received positive news ahead of the game, as coach Nick Nurse revealed that there is a strong likelihood that star center Joel Embiid will return from his left knee injury before the start of the postseason. With Embiid back in the lineup, the 76ers will pose a significant threat in the playoffs, regardless of their final seeding.