PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics were locked in a tight battle in overtime on Sunday afternoon in a pivotal Game 4 in South Philadelphia. The Sixers had a 16-point lead slip away as the Cs forced overtime, and it appeared Boston was going to steal one.
Jayson Tatum hit a tough 3-pointer with 38.1 seconds left in overtime to give Boston a 115-113 lead. Tatum had been struggling all afternoon until that point and that 3-pointer appeared to be the dagger the Celtics needed for the win and a 3-1 series lead.
Instead, James Harden saved the day with a corner 3 with 19 seconds left to lift the Sixers to a 116-115 win.
However, coach Doc Rivers was upset about the Tatum play. It was a clear push-off against Tyrese Maxey, and the officials missed it. It almost cost the Sixers the game.
“Jayson Tatum’s 3 was awful that that wasn’t called,” said Rivers. “Awful. It was a push-off and the reason it bugged me is because at the end of the game, there are these touch fouls. Jayson Tatum had a 360 foul. Marcus Smart and Tuck (PJ Tucker) get tangled up. Touch foul. So if we’re gonna call it that way, then you have to call it.”
The non-call could have decided the game if not for Harden’s heroics. If Harden doesn’t make that shot, the Tatum shot is the decider and Boston takes the 3-1 lead with it back home for Game 5.
“To me, you gotta call that play,” Rivers added. “I know it’s a big play and I’m a big fan of refs not deciding, but that could’ve decided the game.”
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