A clock error stripped Celtics of an extra second in the final moments of Game 6
With 3.5 seconds left on the clock in Game 6, John Wall sunk a three-point shot to give Washington a 92-91 lead over Boston—seemingly putting an end to the Celtics’ premature ‘funeral’ for the Wizards.
After Boston called a timeout, Kelly Oubre Jr. committed Washington’s remaining foul-to-give on Kelly Olynyk, leaving 1.7 seconds on the clock for the Celtics’ final play: a failed three-point attempt by Isaiah Thomas.
However, the latest “NBA Officiating Last Two Minute Report” reveals that the Celtics actually should have had 2.7 seconds on the clock following the foul.
According to the report, which is published after any game that is within five points with two minutes remaining:
The foul is whistled with approximately 2.7 seconds on the clock, but the clock runs to 1.7 seconds before stopping. The clock should have been stopped earlier automatically on the whistle or by the neutral clock operator. Instant replay is not permitted in this situation.
Would the extra second have made a difference?
Isaiah Thomas thinks so.
In an interview on Sunday, Thomas told reporters that the extra second could’ve allowed him to take another dribble or get a little bit more separation. However, he emphasized that the team can’t worry about that headed into Game 7, which is scheduled for 8 p.m. Monday night in Boston.
Isaiah Thomas laments lost second at end of Game 6 but says Celtics “can’t worry about that.” pic.twitter.com/i5Ho6rlKP5
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) May 14, 2017
Watch the final moments of the Game 6 below.
https://youtu.be/DBDLbrRURbs?t=8m22s
