The Portland Trail Blazers have initiated a formal protest with the NBA regarding their recent 111-109 defeat by the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN.
The dispute stems from an incident where Trail Blazers’ coach, Chauncey Billups, appeared to be signaling for a timeout while holding a 109-108 lead. This occurred just before the officials called a double-dribble violation on Portland guard Malcolm Brogdon with only 15.1 seconds remaining in the game at Oklahoma City.
Billups showed visible frustration, believing his request for a timeout was overlooked. He received two technical fouls for his vehement protests, which included stepping onto the court and was subsequently ejected from the game’s closing moments. In his post-game comments, Billups expressed his exasperation.
“We’ve got timeouts,” Billups said. “Referees usually are prepared for that, you know, that instance, that situation. I’m at half-court, trying to call a timeout. It’s just frustrating. My guys played too hard for that. It’s a frustrating play.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Chauncey Billups, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
In a pool report interview, Crew chief Bill Kennedy explained the rationale behind the decision. He stated that the referee, focusing on the play directly in front of him, found it challenging to hear and see Billups calling for a timeout from behind.
“The referee in the slot position was refereeing the double team that was right in front of him, which makes it difficult for number one to hear and number two to see a coach request a timeout behind him,” Kennedy said. “He is taught to referee the play until completion, which a double dribble happens, and he correctly calls the double dribble and then pursuant (to that) the technical fouls come forward.”
As a result of the confusion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder tied the game at 109-109 with one of the two technical free throws, and Jalen Williams’ basket with just 2.1 seconds left sealed the win for Oklahoma City. This defeat brought Portland’s record down to 12-31. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on March 6 in Portland.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Chauncey Billups, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
NBA rules allow a team 48 hours to file a protest with the league office, followed by five days to present evidence supporting their claim. The league then has another five days to issue a ruling. Filing a protest incurs a $10,000 fee, which is returned if the protest is upheld.
