WORST Calls In NBA History
NBA referees, like all professionals, can have off days, but some mistakes are so egregious they’ve gone down in history. From critical moments in the NBA Finals to questionable calls in high-stakes games, these blunders have left fans and players in disbelief. Here are some of the most notorious:
Dirk Nowitzki's Phantom Foul (2006 Finals): In a key moment of Game 6, Nowitzki was called for a blocking foul on Dwyane Wade, despite Wade clearly initiating contact. This controversial call allowed Wade to seal Miami's victory and their first NBA title.
Jimmy Butler’s Groin Kick (2023 Finals): In a tense Game 5, Butler kicked Aaron Gordon in the groin but was awarded three free throws after a dubious foul call, which could have shifted momentum. However, the Nuggets held on to win their first championship.
Kevin Durant's Out-of-Bounds Blunder (2018): Durant took multiple steps out of bounds before assisting on a game-winning shot, but no foul was called. The Rockets, despite the mistake, won the game in a dramatic finish.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Phantom Foul (1988 Finals): In a pivotal moment of Game 6, a controversial foul was called on Bill Laimbeer, sending Abdul-Jabbar to the free-throw line to give the Lakers the lead and ultimately the championship.
Marcus Camby’s Mystery Foul (2005 Playoffs): A bizarre foul was called on Camby for no apparent reason while Steve Nash was near midcourt, leading to free throws that made little sense.
Morris Peterson Ejection (2006): After a playful slap between teammates Vince Carter and Morris Peterson, Peterson was ejected for what the referee deemed an inappropriate gesture, despite it being clearly lighthearted.
Joey Crawford’s Blunders (2005 Playoffs): Crawford made two key mistakes in the 2005 Eastern Conference Finals, including a phantom foul on Chauncey Billups that could have altered the game’s outcome.
Tim Duncan’s Ejection for Laughing (2007): Duncan was ejected by Crawford after laughing on the bench, leading to controversy over the reasons behind the ejection.
2002 Western Conference Finals “Rigged” Claims: The Kings-Lakers game saw questionable officiating, with numerous foul calls favoring the Lakers in crucial moments, leading to accusations of referee bias.
These calls have been etched in NBA lore, often sparking debates about fairness and the integrity of officiating.
Subscribe to the channel- / @athletealleyyt
#nbaworstcalls
#nbareferees
#nba
Check Out My Last Video Here! - • The WORST Plays In NBA History
Watch video WORST Calls In NBA History online, duration hours minute second in high quality that is uploaded to the channel Athlete Alley 24 January 2025. Share the link to the video on social media so that your subscribers and friends will also watch this video. This video clip has been viewed 6,336 times and liked it 41 visitors.
