Don’t ask the Toronto Raptors about their 102-99 loss against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.
They don’t want to hear it.
Down by three with 2.4 seconds to go, DeMarre Carroll inbounded the ball to Terrence Ross, who heaved up a trey that found the bottom of the net. Only, DeMarcus Cousins deflected the inbounds pass, and upon further review, Ross’ shot was waved off.
Here’s a video of the play:
Raptors head coach Dwane Casey was beside himself, as were his players. But the clock started after the deflection, and the refs believed that Ross catching the pass and gathering himself took about one- or two-tenths of a second too long.
Toronto’s angry disposition, though, carried over into postgame pressers and onto Twitter. Here’s a taste:
Kyle Lowry's got nothing for my man @Paul__Jones. I give him credit for trying, though pic.twitter.com/jGOWY4XnMZ
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) November 21, 2016
Please explain to me how T Ross shot doesn't count.. @NBA
— Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) November 21, 2016
27.2 – 24 = WHAT? #shotclock
— Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) November 21, 2016
Looking forward to the apology from the @NBA even though it won't do shit for the outcome. #haha #raptors
— Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) November 21, 2016
If you look at the okay before that. It was a shot clock violate because Collison still had the ball in his hand with 3.2 seconds #SMH
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) November 21, 2016
First of all: YES. I love when players express themselves, almost unfiltered, of course provided they have legitimate gripes. And the Raptors seem to have one.
We could cite that they really shouldn’t have found themselves down against a pretty-bad Kings squad in the first place, but whatever. For now, let’s await the NBA’s two-minute officials report that will shed light on why the refs’ call on Ross’ shot was or wasn’t the right one.
