DETROIT – The official Twitter account of NBA referees went out of its way to justify a five-step travel that went uncalled against the Washington Wizards on Monday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
The play in question happened with 7:16 left in the fourth quarter and the Detroit Pistons leading 102-88. Bradley Beal drove toward the basket with his left hand, took three steps around Blake Griffin, bobbled the ball, gathered it again, took two more steps and then threw the ball wildly back out to the right wing.
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No travel was called. In fact, a foul was called on Luke Kennard moments later for nudging Trevor Ariza out of bounds following the wild pass.
Here's a look at the travel:
Cancel NBA refs. https://t.co/KybFya8cRh
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) February 12, 2019
To make matters worse, the NBA referees' official Twitter account sought out the video Tuesday morning and tweeted it with the following explanation:
"The offensive player gathers with his right foot on the ground. He then takes two legal steps, before losing control of the ball. After regaining possession, a player is allowed to regain his pivot foot and pass or shoot prior to that foot returning to the ground. This is legal."
The account then tagged Sports Center, Jalen Rose, Yahoo Sports, SB Nation and others in a subsequent tweet.
Are you familiar with the face palm emoji? This is a good time for the face palm emoji.
The replies to the NBA referees' tweet are dominated by people who were, well, unconvinced.
The offensive player gathers with his right foot on the ground. He then takes two legal steps, before losing control of the ball. After regaining possession, a player is allowed to regain his pivot foot and pass or shoot prior to that foot returning to the ground. This is legal. https://t.co/0hVqgHw3w7
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) February 12, 2019
The play didn't really matter, as the Pistons still won the game 112-121. People were talking about the play, though, so the referees obviously wanted to chime in.
There are good referees and bad referees, and both miss some calls. But really, come on, maybe just take the L on this one?
nice try @RealDealBeal23 we know you hacked the ref account and tweeted this https://t.co/wMFFLrae1Z
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) February 12, 2019
Look clean to me 😂😂🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/xyx0qlF3wd
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) February 12, 2019
It’s time to take a nap, guys. You’re tired.
— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) February 12, 2019
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) February 12, 2019
— Laker Film Room (@LakerFilmRoom) February 12, 2019
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) February 12, 2019
— KDre23 (@imthekey23) February 12, 2019
— Steadman™ (@AsteadWesley) February 12, 2019