NBL clarifies controversial late call

The NBL has moved to clarify the ‘Basket Interference’ rule called on Sydney Kings forward Torrey Craig during Wednesday night’s Playoff game with Perth.

With 1.24 left on the clock in the fourth quarter at Qudos Bank Arena and Sydney leading 101-99, Perth’s David Duke Jr. drove to the basket.

While the shot missed, the referees ruled that there had been ‘Basket Interference’, resulting in two points for the Wildcats.

This enraged both the home fans and Kings coach Brian Goorjian, who commented on the decision in the post-game press conference.

“[It was] horrendous, I think we do a really bad job of it [here in the NBL],” Goorjian said.

“When your finger touches the net, they call it. There was no slap of the backboard there, to make the ball jiggle.

“I think they got it wrong there, and I was disappointed in the call. [It could have been] very decisive.”

On Thursday, League officials moved to clarify the 'Basket Interference' rule, which can be called when:
A player causes the basket to vibrate or grasps the basket in such a way that, in the judgement of a referee, the ball has been prevented from entering the basket or has been caused to enter the basket.

It was also noted that per IRS [Instant Replay System] rules, that in the final two minutes referees are permitted to review the action via the replay centre, which is what happened and how the correct call was made.

Game 2 of the Playoff Series between Sydney and Perth tips off at 8pm AEDT on Saturday night, live on ESPN.