Referee report for Rockets vs. 76ers: Two missed calls benefit each side once — missed interference and shooting foul calls

On January 24th Beijing time, the NBA published the official referee report for the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and the last two minutes of overtime in the Rockets vs. 76ers game from the previous day. The report indicated that within these four minutes, there were two missed calls in total, with each team gaining an advantage once. The 76ers eventually won in overtime, halting the Rockets’ three-game winning run.

The first missed call, which was noticed instantly by viewers, involved an interference violation. With 4.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Durant of the Rockets blocked a shot by 76ers’ Maxey after the ball hit the rim and still had a chance to go in. This was a missed defensive interference violation call; the 76ers should have been awarded two points and had a strong chance to win in regulation. This missed call disadvantaged the 76ers and benefited the Rockets.

After the game, the referee on duty explained the play: “According to the rules, only if the on-court referee calls interference immediately can the play be reviewed. During the live game, the officiating crew judged this was a successful block.”

The second missed call occurred with 24.4 seconds left in overtime. 76ers’ Achiuwa, while defending Durant’s shot, moved laterally into Durant’s path and initiated physical contact. This was a missed shooting foul call. Durant made the basket and should have been awarded a free throw. Durant gestured to the referees indicating the foul, but no call was made. This missed call disadvantaged the Rockets and benefited the 76ers.

In the end, the 76ers won 128-122 in overtime. Durant scored 36 points and grabbed 7 rebounds but also committed 8 turnovers. Embiid posted 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Maxey contributed 36 points and 10 assists.