The Internet exploded Sunday night into Monday morning with frustration over the ending of the Toronto Raptors’ game against the Sacramento Kings.
The Raptors believed Terrence Ross had hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send the game to overtime, but due to NBA rules, the shot was reviewed. Upon review, officials called the shot no good, saying that Kings center Demarcus Cousins had tipped the ball on its way inbounds, which should have made the clock start a few tenths of a second earlier and therefore would have made Ross’ shot too late.
Officials rule DeMarcus Cousins deflected ball & therefor Terrence Ross's game-tying three came after time expired pic.twitter.com/t2tb1Jsdka
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) November 21, 2016
The call resulted in a 102-99 loss for Toronto.
While watching the replay closely, you actually can see the clock start a few moments before Ross actually touches it. It’s unclear if this was a response to Cousins tipping the ball, or if it was an error by the clock operator, but since officials weren’t sure Cousins had tipped the ball before the review, it appears the latter is the case.
Still, people were pretty upset about the result and many took to Twitter to lament their thoughts that the Raptors had been “screwed.”
Raptors got screwed
— Heath Dempsey (@HDemps484) November 21, 2016
Raptors got screwed over last night. Ross clearly got that shot off in time 😒I don't know what that ref was thinking
— 💥Damony💥 (@CrowellDamony) November 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/TrueAli1/status/800732615519113216
Can't believe that junk from the Raptors game last night, the NBA is so corrupt. That was complete BS, Raps got screwed big time
— Dude Where's Makar (@joelthesakic) November 21, 2016
Raptors get screwed by the NBA once again. That's embarrassing for the league.
— Raw (@RogerMilla) November 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/aamartey1/status/800710271413141504
https://twitter.com/NickTheBullsFan/status/800562027500449793
When the @espn website doesn't even mention the most controversial end to an @NBA game this season bcuz the @Raptors got screwed …
— Clark Gable (@KjSpiff) November 21, 2016
What a surprise! Wake up to see NBA refs screwed the @Raptors . It's a joke how obvious it is.
— Alan Corkum (@alan_corkum) November 21, 2016
We the North / We the Screwed (by refs) @NBA @Raptors #WeTheNorth #rtz #WetheOther
— Chuck Mitchell (@Chuckymitch) November 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/SAMraso/status/800559400414892032
I think the #raptors just got screwed. How is it their fault the clock was started late ?!?! #nba
— Milothefirst (@Milothefirst) November 21, 2016
It’s hard to argue against the call the referees made, considering Cousins clearly touches the ball. But it’s much easier to do so when there’s an angry mob of Canadians hounding you about it.
Consider us happy this wasn’t our decision to make.
Thumbnail photo via Neville E. Guard/USA TODAY Sports Images
