Denver Nuggets file protest with NBA over last-second loss to Grizzlies

Denver is frustrated that an improper call resulted in a loss

On Tuesdy, the Grizzlies ran a perfect out-of-bounds play that resulted in Marc Gasol scoring at the buzzer to give Memphis a one-point victory over the Denver Nuggets. The whole play was ran to precision as Vince Carter delivered the perfect pass and Gasol was able to catch the ball and shoot, all in one quick motion. However, the play should not have even happened.

In the previous play, the ball appeared to go out of bounds off a Grizzlies player which would've meant the Nuggets had possession. However, the ruling on the floor and video review, gave the ball to the Grizzlies. This turned out to be the wrong call as the NBA's Last Two Minute Report on Wednesday stated that the officials and the NBA Replay Center made an error. The Nuggets should've had possession not the Grizzlies.

Frustrated that an improper call resulted in a loss, the Nuggets filed an official protest with the NBA.

From Nuggets President and Governor Josh Kroenke:

"Last night, Coach Malone notified Tim Connelly and myself that the NBA officiating report acknowledged an incorrect call in our November 8th contest against the Memphis Grizzlies with 0.7 seconds remaining in the game and the Nuggets ahead 107-106. The ruling on the floor and subsequent video review resulted in Memphis incorrectly being awarded possession and scoring a game-winning basket on the final play.

"There are numerous plays over the course of a game that impact the eventual outcome, including some incorrect foul and judgement calls that affect each team throughout. Officiating a professional game in any sport is an incredibly difficult and highly scrutinized job, and we feel the NBA undoubtedly has the best basketball officials in the world.

"Commissioner Silver has done a fantastic job championing league transparency and accuracy for teams and fans alike with the addition of in-game video review and the NBA's Instant Replay Center. However, in this case, a reviewable non-judgement call regarding possession was not sufficiently reviewed, and considering the time and score, we feel as if the incorrect ruling had a direct impact on the final outcome of the game."

The Nuggets have every right to protest and are in the right, but their chances of having a win being awarded to them is relatively low.

The last successful NBA protest happened in 2008 when the Heat and Hawks had to replay the final 51.9 seconds of a game since previously, Shaquille O'Neal had erroneously been fouled out in the first matchup between the two teams. O'Neal had five fouls instead of six, so the Heat and Hawks replayed the game starting at when O'Neal got his fifth foul. The replay actually had no effect on the game as the Hawks won both the original and the do-over game,

Perhaps the NBA will do something similar with the Nuggets and Grizzlies. But if not, the Nuggets unfortunately will have to have a loss on their record, which simply shouldn't be there.