The Boston Celtics may have grabbed an overtime victory over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers Saturday night, but shortly after the final horn, the NBA admitted the referees missed a crucial foul on LeBron James that would have given James a chance to ice the game at the free throw line.
The NBA officials’ pool report was quite clear on what happened as time expired. “There was contact. At the time, during the game, we did not see a foul. The crew missed the play.” James was apoplectic in the moment at the missed call, and equally frustrated after the game.
Lakers guard Patrick Beverley even grabbed a media member’s camera and brought it over to one of the refs in protest, earning a prompt technical foul.
Jaylen Brown and the Celtics overcame a slow start to drop 37 on the visiting Lakers as Boston grabbed a 125-121 victory in overtime. https://t.co/CJKn11V090
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 29, 2023