NBA Confirms Late-Game OKC Tip-In was Illegal

The league confirmed on Monday that a controversial bucket from Kendrick Perkins should have been offensive goaltending.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:21 pm

By: News On 6

NBA Confirms Late-Game OKC Tip-In was Illegal

Originally Published: Apr 18, 2011 4:20 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY -- After complaints that Kendrick Perkins’ go-ahead tip in from Sunday’s game was offensive goaltending, the NBA announced Monday that the basket should have been waved off as basket interference.

With 1:05 left to play, Russell Westbrook missed on a shot and Perkins’ hand came up through the net to tip the ball back in. The basket gave Oklahoma City a 102-101 advantage, a lead it would not surrender.

After the game Sunday, Nuggets representatives sent video into the league to be reviewed.

In a statement released Monday, the league said Perkins touched the ball while it was still directly above the basket, which would be considered basket interference.

The series continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Oklahoma City.