It won’t change the outcome of the game, but Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul will at least feel validated after criticizing the referees for not ringing a buzzer attempt by teammate Devin Booker.
Not that Paul needed validation.
After Booker’s shot fell short in a three-point loss against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, replays seemed clear that Hornets forward Gordon Hayward was tapping Booker on the wrist during his sequel.
The NBA’s two-minute report released Thursday confirmed that the referees missed the foul on a three-point shot that would have sent Booker to the foul line with the chance to score three free throws, forcing extra time.
Instead, officials did not call and time passed for Charlotte to leave Phoenix Suns Arena with a 124-121 victory.
Paul didn’t keep quiet about the non-call in his post-game meeting with reporters.
“We looked at it there at the end: Book is dirty on those three,” said Paul after the game. “Obviously there are a lot of plays going on over the course of a game, but what’s it called, the two minute report? It comes out tomorrow, they’ll say, ‘Oh, we missed it.’
“A lot of plays have happened for us to get there, but that was definitely a violation. Should have shot three free throws, try sending it to extra time. “
Here’s the official readout of the two-minute report:
Hayward (CHA) makes contact with Booker’s (PHX) wrist and affects his jump attempt.