In the waning moments of a heart-stopping playoff game, a whistle can change everything. This was the case in Game 6 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks, where a foul call on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against P.J. Washington has become the subject of heated debate among fans and analysts alike.
With just 2.5 seconds left on the clock and the Thunder leading by a single point, Gilgeous-Alexander contested Washington’s late corner three. The referee’s whistle blew, and the foul call granted Washington three free throws, ultimately deciding the game—and the series—in favor of the Mavericks.
This foul by SGA with the season on the line pic.twitter.com/jHcCHaTkom
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 19, 2024
The call was contentious, splitting spectators into two camps. On one side, there are those who argue that Gilgeous-Alexander made “illegal contact” with Washington’a arm during the shot, a violation is clear-cut in the rulebook. NBA referee Tony Brothers, in a pool report, explained that the contact was illegal because the ball was not dislodged by initial contact, which would have rendered the subsequent contact marginal.
On the other side of the debate are those who believe the contact was incidental and that such a decisive moment should not be left to the interpretation of a foul. They argue that the physicality was part of a legitimate defensive effort and that the call was too harsh for the circumstances. Adding to the drama, SGA himself expressed regret over the incident, stating “I shouldn’t have fouled him,” and acknowledged the importance of discipline in such crucial moments. His acceptance of the call has been seen by some as a sign of maturity, while others view it as an unnecessary concession.
The controversy has sparked discussions about the nature of fouls, the role of referees, and the spirit of the game. It raises questions about consistency in officiating and the balance between letting players play and enforcing the rules. As the dust settles, this moment will likely linger in the memories of fans and players, a reminder of the razor-thin margins that can define a season.
That’s a wild way for this series to end.
Also, not sure how that was a foul on SGA. That explanation made no sense.
But props to Dallas on a tremendous accomplishment to advance.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 19, 2024
Tough way to go out for SGA. But OKC will be coming for years to come.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) May 19, 2024
really shouldn’t be leaving your feet and trying to go for ball/block there reaching into his shooting space, just make him make a tough shot crowding his space. ♂️ https://t.co/Y1v179U6fe
— Above the Clouds (@theRealDrJ_M) May 19, 2024
Yeah, this is a clear foul. Everybody calm down https://t.co/Jm5o8dfngz
— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) May 19, 2024
Show the other angle . Got his hand & wrist too https://t.co/TYbmqE2Iwe
— (@_Willywaves) May 19, 2024
This play ended up deciding the Thunder season. If PJ was to lose the ball, it would not be a foul. But since he held on, it didn’t matter.
Still feels really odd to call this a foul given SGA did get ball first but the rule is the rule. Thoughts?
pic.twitter.com/yJ0556SAGO— xEP Network | Projections & Analytics (@xEP_Network) May 19, 2024
That’s a terrible call!! https://t.co/yAE3mfZRgD
— welliverkorey (@WelliverKorey) May 19, 2024
Im convinced ppl really just dont know ball. Just cause you hit the ball doesnt mean you could just hit the rest of his arm lol ?!?!?!?!?1 https://t.co/AtiA7DDQcV
— JayWill (@jayy_york) May 19, 2024
Didn’t have to jump. Didn’t have to bring his hand down when he jumped… live and learn. https://t.co/ixQGvIwVTa
— .S (@Sergetacular) May 19, 2024
AS GREAT AS HE PLAYED, SGA JUST CANNOT FOUL PJ WASHINGTON ON A 3-POINT SHOT. CANNOT PUT HIS COACH IN A DESPERATE POSITION OF CHALLENGING WHAT OBVIOUSLY WAS A FOUL AND LOSING THE TIMEOUT THAT COULD’VE GIVEN OKC A GOOD LOOK TO WIN.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 19, 2024
