NBA Referees
@OfficialNBARefs
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Pinned Tweet
ANNOUNCING NBA
#REFWATCHPARTY
| A SPECIAL BACK TO BACK EVENT 📱🏀
Wednesday: East Semifinals | Game 2
Thursday: West Semifinals | Game 2
Don’t miss back to back NBA Ref Watch Parties this week LIVE from the
@NBA
Replay Center. Get insights and analysis straight from the NBA…
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The offensive player gathers the ball while on his right foot. He then takes a step with his left foot (step 1) into a hop step, landing first with his right foot (step 2) and then illegally with his left (step 3). We missed this one - it is a traveling violation.
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Now that we all have
#280Characters
, we expect your Twitter complaints about specific calls against your favorite teams to be calm, well-reasoned, and full of complete sentences. Thanks in advance for this positive step forward in basketball officiating-related discourse."
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The NBRA stands in solidarity with our players' decision to boycott tonight’s games in protest of the continued unjustified killing of black men and women by law enforcement. There are more important issues in our country than basketball and we hope this will inspire change.
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The offensive player gathers with his right foot on the ground. He then takes two legal steps, before losing control of the ball. After regaining possession, a player is allowed to regain his pivot foot and pass or shoot prior to that foot returning to the ground. This is legal.
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Like everyone else, referees make mistakes. We made one at the end of last night’s game and that is gut-wrenching for us. This play will weigh heavily and cause sleepless nights as we strive to be the best referees we can be.
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Yes this is a travel. He gathers the ball and then takes 3 steps.
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This courageous kid established both feet down and was in legal guarding position - charge on the dog. Great job taking the contact!
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We missed this one. TJ does not gather the ball until his left foot is on the floor. He then takes a legal 1-2 (right-left) as he goes into his driving shot attempt. This was a legal play and should not have been called a travel.
TJ McConnell was called for a travel on this play and had his layup taken away…
Good traveling call or good no-call from the refs? 🤔
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A legal play at ALL levels. Left is the pivot and the shot is released prior to the left returning. Good job to all the “Twitter Refs” that said clean.
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Why is it hard to educate fans about the rules? Here's what we're up against. From last night's game,
@RealChrisWebber
was incorrect here. This is a foul, as the defender makes illegal contact with his knee to the thigh of the offensive player, causing him to fall to the floor.
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This was incorrectly called a traveling violation. Tatum does not slide or reposition the pivot foot.
Jayson Tatum was called for a travel on this play.
Good call or bad call? 🤔
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…No it should not. There needs to be contact to be considered an offensive foul. You are right that Harden abnormally extends his legs, but he doesn’t make illegal contact with Curry.
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We know you’ll be waiting for us, Tony. We love you and your family. Our brother forever.
#6STRONG
(Song: Wait On You | Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music)
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A play like this seems to trend every year. This is not a travel at any level of basketball. It is a basic step through move that is a fundamental part of basketball.
Tatum picks the ball up and establishes his right foot as his pivot foot. He is permitted to “step through”…
Pacers fans were furious after Jayson Tatum was not called for a travel on this play 👀
Traveling or good no-call by the refs? 🤔
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We missed the foot to foot contact which should have resulted in a personal foul and reviewed for flagrant. Had no foot to foot contact existed, this type of secondary and theatrical movement by Brunson would meet the criteria for a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul for…
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A number of people asked us if this should have been a technical foul. Here's why it's not:
- Rule 12A sec. 4 states a player can hang on the basket "to prevent an injury to himself or another player"
- A timeout is then called, making the ball dead, so no technical foul assessed
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The ball was clearly deflected and he did not double dribble. This is why open angles on the floor are so important to officiating. The viewers had a closed look with the backside camera angle.
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Dan Crawford, one of the most accomplished referees in NBA history, is retiring.
Congrats to Danny on an incredible career!
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In full transparency, this was an out of bounds violation that was missed.
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We missed this one - it should have been a foul. The defensive player undercuts the offensive player, knocking him off balance. Unfortunately in this case the referee had a closed look at the point of contact.
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Yes,
@ESPN
, and it was the right call. The defender was late to the spot and in an illegal guarding position when contact occurred:
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.
@RealChrisWebber
is incorrect here as well. This is a correctly called foul, as the defender makes contact with his shoulder as he is moving illegally into the offensive player's space. These are obvious fouls, and fans deserve accurate analysis. 2/2
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The NBRA condemns the comments by Dak Prescott condoning violence against game officials. As an NFL leader, he should know better. We encourage the NFL to take action to discourage this deplorable behavior in the future.
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The offensive player gathers the ball, and flips it from his left hand to right behind his back, with his right foot as his pivot foot. He then is allowed 2 steps, which he takes as a lateral 1-2 step. It’s a legal play.
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It's the correct call. The offensive player is rotated when the defensive player comes over the top and pulls him. The defensive player has the opportunity to stop or change direction but declined, and instead grabbed and pulled him in an attempt to draw an offensive foul:
Bell “setting a screen” like this is a box out drill at middle school basketball practice
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10:44 of the 2nd quarter. These plays are difficult as there is some embellishment by Harden, however, Williams closes out and his right foot ends up in the landing space of James and there is foot to foot contact on the landing. A foul was needed on this play.
#RefWatchParty
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By rule, this is a defensive foul as Curry is turned sideways (illegal) and moving into the path of Beverly. The contact clearly impedes the progress of Beverly to the basket and was correctly judged as a defensive foul. Beverly is driving to the rim and, by rule, it is the…
This is NOT a good call. This is currently the biggest problem call in the league.
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@WorldWideWob
While this was an exciting play, Aleksej does control/possess the ball in his frontcourt as he makes the around the back pass to Josh, who receives it in the backcourt. This should have been a backcourt violation.
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In order for contact with the rim to constitute offensive basket interference when the ball is not in the net, it must (a) occur while the ball is sitting or rolling on the rim and using the rim as its lower base, (b) cause the ball to take an unnatural bounce, or (c) move the…
Draymond was called for a goaltend on Steph's potential game-winner 😳
It was overturned after review.
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Thank you for standing with us today as we rallied against the senseless shooting of Jacob Blake by the police and the systemic racism that thrives, while young black men and women continue to needlessly die. We won’t be silent.
#EverybodyVsRacism
@NBA
@TheNBPA
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Once the offensive player beat the primary defender, a referee's job in our sequencing is to shift to the secondary defender and determine his legality. Green establishes legal position prior to the upward motion of Harden, and it should have been a charge.
Block or charge?🏀🤷♂️🤔🤭😳💥
(psssst ... this is a charge😏)
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This is categorically false. The schedule for the games referenced was released weeks in advance. Ben Taylor is a Part Time Crew Chief and frequently receives Referee assignments throughout the season. His positional assignments remained unchanged.
The NBA has recently demoted Ben Taylor in his assignments, per
@tomhaberstroh
(Via
@FAN590
)
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This is a travel in the NBA because a player may not touch the floor consecutively with the same foot (hop).
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The end of game inbound foul in
#OKCvsSAS
was one we've never seen before & we missed it. We'll incorporate this in training moving forward.
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The illegal contact by the defender occurs prior to the gather by the offensive player, and thus the shooting motion has not yet started. Two free throws should have been awarded on this play, as the team was in the penalty, not three.
Zo's last second foul on Russ had Luke Walton baffled...
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The lead official is primarily responsible for this play. We are taught to referee the defender in all one-on-one situations. The defender gets to the ball first, and cleanly blocks the shot. We missed this one, and plays like this keep us up all night staring at the ceiling.
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Here we go... The defender has the right to be between his opponent and the basket. The other players around Curry would inevitably have to move to stay with him, and would be committing an illegal screen as soon as they made contact with a defender. cc
@PabloTorre
@pardisparker
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This is a great example of why we are trained to not guess and/or react when a play looks awkward. Giannis releases the ball to start his dribble prior to the left (pivot foot) sliding. The replay angle in the clip below provides the best angle to see the release of the dribble.
Giannis was NOT called for a travel on this play.
You agree? 👀
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On this drive by Hachimura at 7:48 of the 4th quarter, Murray gets a piece of the ball, and then Green also legally blocks the ball and this play should have been a no call.
#RefWatchParty
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This is the correct call. The offensive player kicks his left leg out, and that, not the defender's actions, is the reason for the contact. Joe Borgia gave a good explanation here:
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Hey, maybe let us in on the joke next time guys? 😕
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We are here to help Carmine… At all levels of basketball, if a player raises his/her pivot foot off the floor, they must pass or shoot before their pivot foot returns to the floor. If the mere lifting of a pivot foot was a travel then every jump shot and layup would be a travel.
@OfficialNBARefs
So it's not the lifting of a pivot foot that's a travel, it's the pivot foot being lifted and returned to the ground? You're telling me I can lift my pivot foot as long as I shoot before the pivot foot I lifted returns to the ground? That doesn't seem right.
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This is a foul. As you can see in these two alternate angles, Gordon makes illegal contact to the right leg of Fox which affects the shot.
ICYMI: NBA officials stood by their late-game call on Eric Gordon, which led to the
#Rockets
falling 130-128 to the Kings Wednesday night.
"It'd be different if I was running into him." — Eric Gordon
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Our hearts are with Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Dave Joerger and his family during this difficult time. We are wishful for strength and hopeful for healing. Get well soon, Dave!
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The first thing you learn in refereeing is the concept of open and closed angles. With the proper angle, you see clear illegal contact across the arm of Doncic.
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Q4 2:49 - Curry jumps and then starts his dribble. It should have been a traveling violation.
#RefWatchParty
@NBAOfficial
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On that self alley-oop: once the ball hits the backboard, rim or another player, the offensive player is allowed to regain possession. It's a legal play.
#RefWatchParty
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What may appear to be “the most obvious travel of the season” to some, actually wasn’t. The offensive player takes two steps after the gather prior to passing the ball. The speed and dexterity of NBA players are what make them the best athletes in the world. This is legal.
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:56 Q3 - Harris plants two feet, jumping vertical, and keeps his arms straight up without re-reaching when contact occurs, keeping him legal. It's a correct non-call. Officials are trained to judge the legality, not the force of the play.
#RefWatchParty
@NBAOfficial
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We join the NBA family and fans around the world in mourning the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter, Gianna, and other passengers onboard. His impact on the game was monumental. The entire officiating community extends our condolences to his family at this time.
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The NBRA is outraged by the actions of this referee, who failed to live up to his responsibility as a fair and neutral arbiter of his sport. The decision was made with no regard for the high school athlete's dignity. We stand with the athlete and his family.
South Jersey wrestler whose dreadlocks were cut was under “duress” when he agreed to shearing, lawyer says | Inquirer
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This is a great example of a play that was correctly called a foul based on the interpretations of the last several seasons, but this season this play will NOT be a defensive foul as this will now be considered an abnormal shot attempt.
@OfficialNBARefs
This play was called a shooting foul on Claxton. Was this a correct call? Also, is this gonna called a shooting foul in 21-22 season? I thought this was an non-basketball move.
#NBRARuleSchool
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Great slow motion breakdown that explains why this play was not a travel 👇
Lotta people calling this a travel so let's break this down in SLO MO.
Even under a microscope we can see a gather + two foot jumpstop. At this point either foot can be lifted to establish the other as the pivot. Paolo's right foot slides slightly but that's no issue. Clean play…
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When a player is stationary, he must release the ball prior to his pivot moving. However when the player is moving, he must release prior to completing his 2 steps. Simmons gathers, then steps twice and releases the ball - it's a legal play.
#RefWatchParty
@NBAOfficial
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The trail official sees the offensive player (James) go through the defender (Curry) and the lead official sees Curry hold the arm of James. After discussion, it was determined that the lead has the illegal contact by Curry prior to the offensive foul by James.
#RefWatchParty
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GAME 5
TODAY
⏰ 9:00 PM ET
🏀
@dallasmavs
at
@warriors
🏀
#48
Foster,
#10
Goble,
#74
Blair
📺
@nbaontnt
#NBA
#NBAReferees
#DALvsGSW
#MFFL
#DubNation
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During transition, the defender (Curry) jumped in front of a player (Smith) without the ball. He must give him the time and distance to stop and change direction. In this instance, the official deemed the contact illegal. From the TV replay it could be argued it was marginal.
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NBA Twitter has a lot to say - especially during the
#NBAFinals
. And now we'll be joining the conversation.
We're live-tweeting Game 3, reacting and responding in real-time. Join the
#RefWatchParty
with us on Twitter tomorrow night!
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At halftime, the officials have taken notes on plays they want to review. They use the Replay Center to review calls. In some cases, when we see that we have erred on a play that a player or coach has asked us to look at, we will let them know we messed up.
#RefWatchParty
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An incredible pass, but we missed that one – it’s a double dribble.
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NBRA announces ratification of agreement with NBA governing the 20/21 season. The NBRA is proud to join the NBA community in continued commitment to the sport through safety measures and providing the best basketball product to the best fans in the world.
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Every playoff crew has an alternate in the locker room that is ready to replace a referee in the event there was an injury or illness. While in the locker room, the alternate will be watching and taking notes on the game. The crew is often eager to know if their on court…
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He gathers with his right foot on the floor, then takes a step with his left and then right, for two steps after the gather. You're right Mark, traveling should not have been called. Appreciate hearing from one of the most informed media members! See you in the regular season. 1/
@OfficialNBARefs
...help me out on this. Looks like Harden gathers..then takes his 2 steps..didn’t look like a travel to me. Keep up the great work and see y’all Wednesday night.. Thanks
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First year NBA referee Jenna Schroeder played college hoops herself - at Oakland University and Saginaw Valley State University.🏃♀️🏃♀️
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Here’s another angle. You can see the defensive player has not established himself in the path of the offensive player, and is at a 45 degree angle when contact occurs, thus making him illegal.
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The response occurred as the player walked aggressively AWAY from the official towards his own bench. The TV viewer can see every word because the camera is following him. The officials let players have a heat-of-the-moment reaction without searching for something to penalize.
an hour later and despite a bunch of people asking you, you've yet to say why Draymond Green can do whatever he wants after his first technical. Even the announcers are calling your guys out. Explain or stop talking about transparency
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BREAKING: Congratulations NBA referee Mike “Duke” Callahan on your retirement from the floor after 29 seasons.
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Q2 7:30 - A defender cannot block a field goal attempt after it has hit the backboard provided it still has a chance to score. Goaltending should have been called on this play.
#RefWatchParty
@NBAOfficial
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The electronic device on the back is the precision timing device. It’s connected to a microphone that picks up the whistle and stops the clock.
#RefWatchParty
#NBAFinals
@OfficialNBARefs
what does the head official wear on his back belt loop? Looks like a electronic device?
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1/ This appalling story about the female referee removed during an AAU game warrants serious discussion.
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After looking at numerous camera angles, there is nothing clear and conclusive to show the ball on Thompson’s fingertips while his foot is out of bounds. This play is viewed as inconclusive and unable to be determined with the naked eye, and thus handled correctly in the game. 1/
Klay Thompson might have stepped out of bounds on the final possession. 👀
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Fumble = legal, and no travel. No fumble = travel. It's understandable for people to think that the offensive player doesn't lose control, and therefore travels. But the officials on the floor deemed it a fumble, and therefore legal. This is what makes this job so difficult.
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The NBRA sends prayers and support to Damar Hamlin, his family, and teammates.
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NBRA announces ratification of agreement with NBA governing re-start of season in Orlando. The NBRA is proud to join the NBA community as we navigate the new normal, and deliver the best basketball product to the best fans in the world:
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Well that escalated quickly! When we talk about "losing control," we're talking about a "fumble." Below is the "fumble" rule. It is legal for a player to "fumble" (even without a defender touching the ball) then re-establish possession and his pivot foot:
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Well done! Technically legal.
Rule 10 sec 13 (d): "If a player, with the ball in his possession, raises his pivot foot off the floor, he must pass or shoot before his pivot foot returns to the floor..."
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Please join the NBRA in prayer for Denver Nuggets superfan and unofficial team mom, Vicki Ray, during this unimaginable time. Vicki has always supported the refs and our hearts are with her and her family.
#prayforRay
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We've been getting a lot of questions asking if this is a travel.
Focus on the "gather" - the offensive player gathers the ball with his left foot on the floor. He then jump stops behind the three point line and elevates into his shot. This is a legal play:
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We know there will always be scrutiny and differing opinions on what is a very subjective and difficult game to referee. There will never be a perfectly officiated game but our goal every night is to be excellent. Todays crew met that expectation. Overall, that was a very…
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Although it's stressful, do NOT feel sorry for us. We have the best seat in the house and are fortunate enough to officiate the best athletes in the world! We do the best we possibly can each night. Also, our emotions were removed at birth.
#RefWatchParty
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The "foul vs. no foul" debate is raging on
#NBATwitter
today. Let's discuss what a referee looks for on these.
@LegsESPN
's analysis is:
- play 1 is an incorrect non-call
- play 2 is a correct non-call
Watch and tell us what you think, then we'll explain why:
#YouBeTheRef
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We’re looking for Cleveland
#Cavaliers
and Chicago
#Bulls
fans that are watching the game tonight to talk to an NBA ref Thursday morning via Zoom. Interested? DM us.
#1FanAtATime
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Happy heavenly birthday to our brother, Tony Brown. We know you're celebrating in a much better place and we miss you every day.
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Q4 :14 - Before Iguodala fouls Paul on the shot, Paul pushes off to create space. It could have been an offensive foul.
#RefWatchParty
@NBAOfficial
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Tonight, for the first time in NBA history, two women will be on the officiating crew. Congrats Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder, we can’t wait to watch you work!
⏰ 7:00 PM ET
🏀
@hornets
at
@orlandomagic
🏀
#4
Wright,
#9
Sago,
#84
Schroeder
#NBA
#NBAReferees
#CHAvsORL
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Yes, it's actually two travels:
- Gathering and jumping off the right leg, and landing on the same leg
- Drags the right foot at the end
But if his first gather step was on his right, and he landed on his left before taking another right step (with no drag) it would be legal.
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Congratulations to 35-year NBA Referee Ken Mauer for officiating his 2000th regular season game on 2/19 when the Pistons visited the Grizzlies in Memphis, TN. What a milestone!
PC: NBA Entertainment
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It all comes down to this. With 254 total years of NBA experience, and a combined 75 Finals appearances, here are your 12 2018
#NBAFinals
officials:
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That's a wrap - it was great engaging with everyone (even the people posting tweets we can't repeat) tonight during the
#NBAFinals
#RefWatchParty
. Sorry we couldn't get to every question. See you tomorrow, NBA Twitter...
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The entire NBA community stands behind Tony Brown and his family during this time. We are lifting up Tony, Tina and his family in love, thoughts and prayers and will fight alongside him throughout this courageous battle.
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In the NBA, the step count starts after the gather. So when is a ball considered ‘gathered’? The answers and how to train your eye like an NBA ref in
#TheHuddle
:
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We are asking for your support in establishing the Tony Brown Basketball Scholarship Endowment. Tony, a Clark Atlanta University alum & beloved NBA Ref for 20 years, was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer last year. Let's keep fighting with Tony.
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We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of coach Dejan Milojevic and join the NBA community in sending our condolences to his family and to the Warriors organization during this time.
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There are three official roles in each NBA game - the crew chief, the referee and the umpire. The crew chief is the leader, on and off the court. The referee is the glue through consistency and teamwork. The umpire has strong rule knowledge in primary area of responsibilities.
@OfficialNBARefs
Can you explain why the term umpire is being used for some NBA officials now?
#RefWatchParty
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What is it like to watch an
#NBAFinals
game with a background in professional officiating? That's what we hope to show you during
#RefWatchParty
- how we see the game, and hopefully tell you some things you may not know. We'll answer some questions too. Here we go...
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