3 worst calls from 76ers’ Game 4 win over the Celtics

May 3, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers watches from the sideline as they take on the Boston Celtics during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers watches from the sideline as they take on the Boston Celtics during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 7, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket past ]Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker (17) and guard De’Anthony Melton (8) during the fourth quarter of game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket past ]Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker (17) and guard De’Anthony Melton (8) during the fourth quarter of game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Worst calls from Game 4, 76ers-Celtics: 1. Jayson’ Tatum’s 180

With the game tied and just under four minutes left in the fourth quarter, Tatum got Tyrese Maxey on the switch and sized him up from the wing. He spun and drove baseline and as Embiid rotated over, Tatum spun again putting his back to Embiid and throwing up a wild, no-look, over-the-head 180 layup. And drew the foul.

This one will not be reviewed in the Last 2 Minute Report, but the official NBA referees’ Twitter account did share video in real-time and clarify that the call was correct on Embiid because he was not jumping vertically.

I suppose you could also give the call because of Embiid’s right hand on Tatum’s hip. But I don’t think it’s nearly as clear-cut as they make it appear to be. Even the TV play-by-play announcer seemed surprised that Tatum drew the foul.

The most egregious officiating mistake still seemed to be Tatum’s push-off on the penultimate possession and the universe preserved it’s balance by giving Harden the game-winner just a few seconds later. Thank goodness ball don’t lie, amirite?

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