NBA Breaks Silence on Controversial Calls in Grizzlies vs. Pelicans

The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans game had some controversial calls

The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans game had some very controversial calls at the end of regulation, both of which went to review. The first came with 1.5 seconds left when Ja Morant missed a layup, but a foul was called. This play went to review, and it was overturned.

The second controversial call came with 0.4 seconds left in regulation when Jonas Valanciunas was whistled for a foul on Jaren Jackson Jr. while the two were jumping near the rim.

In a pool report with Will Guillory of The Athletic, Crew Chief Mitchell Ervin explained both of these calls:

QUESTION:

What led to the foul call against Jonas Valanciunas with 0.4 seconds left in regulation? 

ERVIN:

Great question. Valanciunas jumps back into and reached over the shoulder of Jones creating illegal contact therefore the defensive foul was assessed on the play. 

QUESTION:

What did the officials see that led to the foul call against Herb Jones being overturned with 1.5 seconds left? 

ERVIN:

Morant releases the ball just prior to that contact, which is marginal contact by Jones, therefore there was no foul on the play.

The Grizzlies would go on to win this game in overtime, moving to 4-0 since Ja Morant returned from suspension. This was the second time Memphis has defeated New Orleans during this four-game winning streak.

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