On Monday, the Sacramento Kings faced off against the Atlanta Hawks and lost by a single point (109-108). As is common in closely contested games, the final moments were marked by some controversy.
With under ten seconds remaining, the Kings regained possession, providing them a chance to take the lead. De’Aaron Fox, who had scored a total of 109 points in the previous two games, surged up the court looking for a potential go-ahead shot. After stepping back for his signature mid-range jumper, the play unfolded.
Dyson Daniels, who has been having an outstanding defensive season, made a critical steal just as time expired. It was a pivotal moment for a player who is gaining recognition for his defensive skills.
However, Fox’s reaction after the steal suggested there may have been a foul, though no whistle was blown. Fans had to wait for the league’s Last Two Minute Report to clarify the situation.
What is the Last Two Minute Report?
Whenever a game is within three points in the final two minutes, the league’s front office reviews all key calls made by the referees. According to the league, “The plays assessed include all calls (whistles) and notable non-calls, defined as material plays directly affecting the outcome of a possession.”
The Sacramento Kings Were Not Cheated Out of a Win
Unlike the controversies surrounding the 2002 Western Conference Finals, the officiating in this game should not raise any questions. The league’s Last Two Minute Report confirmed that the no-call on Daniels’ swipe was the correct decision.
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Daniels did not commit a foul when he knocked the ball loose from Fox, and he didn’t step out of bounds before recovering the ball and passing it to a teammate.
As a fan of the team, it’s hard to acknowledge that there was no foul and that we lost due to our own mistakes. However, that’s precisely what transpired.
To be fair, the Kings played without DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk due to injuries, and Keegan Murray had already fouled out earlier in the fourth quarter. The fact that they were still in a position to potentially win is an impressive achievement on its own.
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