I’m not absolutely certain the ball on Rockets’ James Harden’s buzzer beating three point attempt last night had any chance of going in. After hitting the rim hard and bouncing straight up in the air, the Suns Jermaine O’Neal deflected the ball on the descent back out to the perimeter.
The rules state that if the ball is above the cylinder or is using the hoop as a base it can’t be touched. However the rules also state:
…c. For goaltending to occur, the ball, in the judgment of the official, must have a chance to score.
This is where the Suns may have wanted to make their case. The ball in the replay looks like it was veering off to the right side of the hoop before O’Neal touched it.
Ah well, not like it matters too much for the Suns other than to play spoilers. The Rockets have clinched a playoff berth, and are rolling with wins in 7 of their last 10 games.
