Posted: Monday, February 23, 2009, 11:54 PM | 27 comments |
 

That Half-Court Heave
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Okay, so from the beginning, I have to say that I watched the replay of Devin Harris' shot tonight about 15 times, but I have not seen the full replay including the starting of the clock on the inbounds with 1.8 seconds left.

But here's what's coming from the Izod Center, the referees, the Sixers, etc.

If you didn't watch the game: Andre Iguodala made 1 of 2 free throws with 1.8 seconds left. It seemed, at this time, that Iguodala needed to only make one free throw to give the Sixers the win because the New Jersey Nets were out of timeouts and would be inbounding underneath the Sixers hoop, needing to go the length of the court in 1.8 seconds. Iguodala missed the first, so the game remained tied at 95-95. Iguodala made the second, for a 96-95 lead. Immediately, the Nets inbounded to Devin Harris, who torched the Sixers tonight for 39 points, but in this moment had only 36 points. Harris caught on the left sideline, took a dribble with Iguodala sliding in front of him near halfcourt. Iguodala appeared to knock the ball out of Harris' hands. The ball appeared to bounce off Iguodala and back into Harris' hands. Harris immedaitely planted his right foot, a step before half court, and launched the ball towards the rim. The buzzer went off en route. The ball went in. After the ball went in, referee Violet Palmer waived her arms, signaling that Harris released the shot after the buzzer. So, at the buzzer, the Sixers had won, 96-95.

Or, if you prefer video, let me aid the process: Devin Harris breakin' hearts a la Ray Allen.

At this time, the three referees huddled at halfcourt. Here's what they said happened:

From Derrick Stafford, the lead official: "Yes, we came together to see if we all pretty much had the same thing or if we have anything to overrule the call on the floor ... and we did not. So, at that point with zeros on the clock, we continued to go to replay."

At this point, the referees along with most of the players and the coaches formed a pack at the halfcourt scorer's table, presumably watching -- again and again -- the replay of Harris' release. The referees watched the replay -- needing clear, conclusive evidence to overturn Palmer's call -- for 2 minutes, 30 seconds. After that, the three referees huddled, spoke, and then, a second later, Stafford thrust his arms in the air, signaling that Harris' three-pointer was now considered good and the Nets had won the game, 98-96.

Stafford said the decision was unanimous to overturn the call. Let's keep in mind, that the referees were not evaluating when the clock started at 1.8 seconds. The only thing they were reviewing was whether Harris released the ball before the buzzer. Stafford also said that when they can't see the actual clock on the replay, they will go by the red stripe which is installed on the scorer's table, and turns red at the buzzer. There is a similar one above the basket. It does appear that Harris released the ball with about 0.001 seconds remaining.

Immediately after the game, in the Sixers locker room, they were still sitting in their uniforms debating what had just happened. Again, as I said, I have not seen the replay of when Harris first caught the in-bounds pass, but I've heard from a few people, including Iguodala and Andre Miller, saying that the clock did not immediately start running when Harris caught the ball. I'm not sure what length the delay was, but I'm hearing at least three-tenths of a second.

Here's what Iguodala said: 

"I thought a lot was going on for 1.8 seconds. I thought for sure it wasn't good and I still don't think it was good."

Did Harris travel before his shot? It seemed he bobbled the ball, then took a step. Sixers coach Tony DiLeo said that the referees told him it wasn't a travel because Harris lost it, it bounced off Iguodala, and Harris was allowed to regain possession.

But Iguodala said: "That was another issue too. There were so many things that went on in a small amount of time for that shot to be good. It seems like that's the way the season's been going. We did what we needed to do tonight."

Here's what Andre Miller said: 

"It was no good, we all know that. But you can't sit here and argue it because of the consequences. It's over now. I was watching it on the court. It was a half court shot; by rule if it's not conclusive you can't overturn the call. Violet called it no good, and by the video he didn't get the ball off in time, so I don't know how you can overturn a call that was called no good, plain and simple."

"The game was there and it was pretty much taken from us."

The Sixers, through spokesman Mike Preston, said that they will be in touch with the league regarding the final 1.8 seconds.

Tonight's loss was the fourth straight for the Sixers, who have not won since the All-Star break. They also missed 14 free throws tonight.

--Kate

 
Posted by Kate Fagan @ 11:54 PM  Permalink | 27 comments
27
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:29 AM, 02/24/2009
    I think the missed free throws lost this game. I thought the shot was late watching live, but he did get it off, sorry Andre. Both teams made a few glaring errors...Sixers missing from the line, Miller fouling a three point shot...Devin throws the ball away. It is going to get harder for the team to have confidence in the end of games when things like this keep happpening. I think the big thing is for the players to mentally keep things positive. This is what losing does, it makes you feel snake-bitten and then the next thing you know...you are!
    — srvdove
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:37 AM, 02/24/2009
    This was definitely a stomach-punch game -- forget whether the clock started on time or whether he got it off on time, how about the fact that Harris hit a one-footed shot from halfcourt on the run? The ending obscures another unfortunate fact for the Sixers: the game shouldn't have been close to begin with, but it was because the Sixers missed 14 free throws. If they had even shot their normal mediocre percentage, they would have won by 3-4. The team is not playing well now, and it's not a matter of playing other hot (or even good teams): the 4 teams that have beaten the Sixers are a combined 2-10 against everyone else since the All-Star break, with the Nuggets, Heat, and Nets getting their lone wins against the Sixers. Even though the Sixers have struggled offensively, what I see is that they are struggling terribly defensively (which contributes to their lack of fastbreaks -- it's hard to break off a make). It begins with Andre Miller, normally a step slow, but even more slow now with his calf strain. When Miller inevitably gets beaten at the start of a play, the Sixers have to start rotating, and we all know that rotating is not their strength. (Also: Miller has been good offensively, but he is starting to look for his own shot too much again, especially on the break. At least three times tonight, he had Iguodala for a dunk on the break but took it in himself.) It was eye-opening how much of a difference it made when Ivey was able to stay in front of Harris with 19 seconds left. Lack of defense is also why the Nets came back against the Sixers' subs in the 2nd quarter. I hate to keep saying it, but Lou Williams might be one of the worst defensive guards in the league. You'd think with his speed that he could stay in front of people, but it never seems that he does. Anyhow, the Sixers had better watch out and not take either of the next two games (Wizards and Knicks) for granted. Any wins would be most welcome at this point ...
    — Statman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:11 AM, 02/24/2009
    Come on... the NBA reeks of FIX. The 76ers cant hit one more free throw to win this game?! To not be able to beat the Nets once this season is completely unfathomable. The NBA is unbearable to watch as players throw games to make vegas rich. Not one Sixer could hit a single free throw to win it. Think about it-the last time these teams played the 76ers scored 8 points in the 4th quarter! The Nba is so fixed it is sad and too continue to watch "pros" play is getting way old.
    — paulpkd
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:46 AM, 02/24/2009
    Pathetic and absolutely inexcusable for the Sixers to be in this position again and again this season. What is this? The third buzzer beater finish of the year? This one is almost as bad as the Cleveland debacle last year that nearly cost us a playoff birth. It might cost us again this year.
    — mdriban
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:06 AM, 02/24/2009
    this team is destined for the 7/8 seed and a first round sweep. the missed free throws were pathetic. i think last year was a bit of fools gold. they should have not signed brand and let the young guys continue to grow. i think a MAJOR move is neeeded this offseason.
    — jazztafari
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:11 AM, 02/24/2009
    Statman, you are spot on and i would like to add my frustration about Dileo's rotation. Why are we still only seeing Speights for 18 minutes a night and why is he always pared with Reggie Evans? Why can't we get a look at Speights at 5 with Thad at the 4 or Speights at the 4 and Dalembert at the 5, or Speights at the 4 and Theo at the 5??? Wathcing the games now i am as frustrated with DiLeo's rotation as i was with Mo's in the beginning of the season. Why aren't we seeing more of the Iggy at the 2 experiment? Have we given up on that plan? Are we committed to Thad being a 4 for the next 5 years? That is crazy, frustrating and it has me at the end of my Sixers rope. We are a sixth seed, we should be testing, testing, testing. We should be determining exactly what pieces of the puzzle we have. Don't you want to see them dump the ball into Speights in the low post 5-6 times a night, just to see what he's got? Everytime i see him down there is is throwing in some crazy left handed hook that makes me watch the next 5 games, or more importantly, not give my season tickets away. Instead, i get 18 minutes of Reggie Evans being Reggie Evans and no hope that DiLeo or Stefanski have a plan for the rest of the season. What do you want to learn, Ed? We are at best a sixth seed. Can we use these last 30 games to learn something? Please!
    — sixersphan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:19 AM, 02/24/2009
    I have a hard time when people say, if we had just made our free-throws we would have won. The other team can say that too. "If we had made this or not done that" The fact is, they were where they were in the game, and I think in that situation, if the officials can review a shot to the last .001 of a second, then they need to review the entire play. Beautiful shot by Harris, he had an amazing game (as most quick young point guards do against us), but the fact is the play did not happen in 1.8 seconds, so it shouldn't count.
    — Foshan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:26 AM, 02/24/2009
    It did happen..they showed the entire play on ESPN and as soon as Harris caught it and turned, it was down to 1.7. It started as soon as it could have started given that someone has to push a button---there was no delay. The call was right. Amazing shot---1 in a 1000. That's why the free throws DO matter. The Sixers were the better team, other than Devin Harris, who was the best player on the court. How did the Nets get him for a washed up Jason Kidd...and get 2 first round draft picks on top of that!
    — Palestra Jon
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:50 AM, 02/24/2009
    it did not start immediately, i saw it to. Devin harris caught the ball and got a dribble off before the clock even started. They put it in slow-mo for us to actually see. I'm about tired of these buzzer beaters tho. First Tony Parker, then Dirk Nowitzki, you might as well throw Ray Allen in the mix, and now this UNCERTIFIED bull crap. Heck, I wish I could call the NBA on this one.
    — deasytrent
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:01 AM, 02/24/2009
    It was definitely the free throws. even putting aside the 14 total misses, it came down to the last two sixers to stand at the stripe, the andres, who both went 1 for 2. If they hit those, the best the nets can do is tie. They didn't, they left the door open and the nets snuck in. If you want to be a contending team, you have to be able to win games at the line like that. And the shot, by the way, was good. No question.
    — K,M
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:21 AM, 02/24/2009
    You can always look at what could have happened in a game to change this or that, but the outcome is what counts. If you win, even though you played poorly, it is still a win. THE SIXERS WON THAT GAME. Palestra Jon. You are so wrong. Devon Harris took 2 and half steps and one dribble before the clock started. I have it on DVR if you wish to see it yourself. I know that Devon Harris is fast, but no one (not even Speedy Gonzalez) could have done all that Devon Harris did in that final play in 1.79999 seconds. Impossible. Just as impossible as the thought of an NBA Ref betting on games I guess?
    — Fo Fo Fo
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:35 AM, 02/24/2009
    This is really SAD.What exactly is management really trying to do? This is The Philadelphia 76ers A Top Tier Franchise with Great History, the city and fans deserve a WINNER! Being from NYC I rarely get to see them, so when I do I'm excited. Last night watching them I was BORED! They played with NO Enthusiasm NO Passion! Philly need(S) A DOG(DAWG) someone who has HEART and plays NASTY with attitude ! Miller as someone previously stated is looking for his own shot A LITTLE TOO MUCH! On a particular play late in the 4th he had Iggy on the wing, had he passed it off, it was a sure SLAM DUNK and momemtum changer, something to hype us up about, instead he misses the lay-up, Iggy gets fouled grabbing the rebound, we take the ball out(the nets weren't in the penalty). WHY w/Brand out Speights ISN'T STARTING at the 4! Stop with playing Young at the 4, he's NOT A Power Forward, give Speights the experience and indeed STOP pairing him w/evans, KEEP evans ON THE BENCH!!!!!!!!!!!! Miller is a good player, but that's simply it! He's nothing more than good, he's not going to get us far, so WHY hold on to him? The object is to WIN, how far in his entire career has Miller ever advanced? We need top tier players at some positions, STARS carry you in this league! Iggy's our best player, but he doesn't dominant, I don't think it's in his character, that's not how he's built! He's more of an all around player that does a little bit of eveything, he's not "a take over and score at will" type! We need an offensive type dynamo to go along w/Iggy. JR Smith as our starting 2 would be sweet! Iggy controls our offensive sets so many times, so why not start Williams at the point, he brings speed and quickness as well as a legitimate outside threat(opposed to Miller). We have to do something different, because right now this thing isn't working. we shouldn't have to be in tough games with the likes of Indy and NJ if we want to be considered as a good team, we're nothing more than mediocre.
    — Anguilla Al
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:55 AM, 02/24/2009
    The Sixers were jobbed AND it shouldn't have mattered anyway. They did miss too many free throws its a fact. This team is such a poor shooting team they have no margin for error. They don't shoot it from the outside or the line well. They need more shooters and until they get more shooters its going to be very hard to be anything more then a .500 team. Also, this team has some very bad defensive players at guard. Andre Miller, Louis Williams, and Willie Green all well below average defenders.
    — brannigan73
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:56 PM, 02/24/2009
    Honestly, a lot of people are saying that the clock started late, but i've yet to see a replay that has a view of the clock. If someone has a link, please post because i'd like to see it.
    — K,M
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:02 PM, 02/24/2009
    Good comment Sixers fan. I am also very frustrated by the coaching staff's unwillingness to expand Speights role or to play Young more at the 3 spot and Iguodala at guard. We have enough depth to do this as long as Theo can give us minutes at the Center spot. This team is being outcoached and it shows.
    — ricky


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About John Mitchell
John Mitchell is in his first year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.

ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI

Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.

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