Portland Trail Blazers Make Rare Move to Protest the Outcome of a Game Following Controversial Loss

The Portland Trail Blazers filed a formal protest of its Tuesday loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder after the game ended in controversial fashion.

With a little under 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Blazers had the ball while leading 109-108. Guard Malcolm Brogdon dribbled the ball across half-court and and into a trap by the Thunder. He picked up his dribble and tried to keep the ball away from the defense. Then, he dribbled again — resulting in a referee whistling him for a double dribble.

Right behind the ref, however, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was clearly seen motioning for a timeout right before the double dribble. Billups was not given the timeout and his team turned the ball over.

Furious, Billups began arguing with the ref. He was initially given one technical foul for the outburst. When he continued, he was given a second and ejected.

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shot both technical free throws and missed one to leave the game tied at 109. On the ensuing possession, forward Jalen Williams made a go-ahead shot with two seconds left. The Thunder won 111-109.

After the game, Billups called it a “frustrating play” and claimed referees “usually are prepared” for a timeout in that situation. Referee Bill Kennedy said the official was focused on the play in front of him, meaning he didn’t see or hear Billups behind him calling a timeout.

As noted by ESPN, protests have only been upheld six times in the history of the NBA. The most recent time was for a 2007 game involving the Miami Heat. The final 51.9 seconds of the fourth quarter — and then an overtime period — were replayed months later in March 2008.

Watch above via Bally Sports.

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