Thunder Falls to Jazz After Controversial Finish

Originally Published: Apr 6, 2010 11:39 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

SALT LAKE CITY – After a huge fourth-quarter run forced overtime, the game ended on a controversial no-call in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 140-139 loss to the Utah Jazz.

The Thunder inbounded the ball with 1.1 seconds left, and Kevin Durant attempted a 3-pointer that would have won the game. The ball fell well short, and Durant immediately turned to the referees looking for a foul call.

No call was given, despite replays clearly showing that C.J. Miles hit Durant’s hand as he released the ball. The no-call was upheld, and OKC came away with a one-point loss. It was an unfortunate end to a thrilling game that saw a massive fourth-quarter comeback from the Thunder.

Utah led by 11 points with three minutes left in regulation and seemed to be in control of the game. That’s when Durant decided to take over. In the final three minutes, Durant sank three consecutive 3-pointers, including one from near half court.

Jeff Green added a fourth 3-pointer in the closing minutes to tie the game at 129 with eight seconds left. Durant narrowly missed a desperation heave as the buzzer sounded, sending the teams into an extra period.

The teams remained close throughout overtime. Utah’s Deron Williams hit a clutch 3-pointer to give the Jazz the lead with 48 seconds, but OKC responded with four straight points by Durant and Green to retake the lead. Williams sank another huge bucket from the top of the key moments later to swing the lead for the final time.

Durant matched a season high with 45 points and set a new career high with seven 3-pointers. Russell Westbrook finished with 27 points, and Jeff Green added 20.

Deron Williams finished with a career-high 42 points, while Carlos Boozer scored 28 and Mehmet Okur added 20.

The controversial ending could dramatically change the outlook of the Western Conference playoffs. Utah entered Tuesday in a four-way tie for the No. 2 seed in the conference with the Thunder 1.5 games behind.

The win vaults the Jazz into sole possession of second place, while the Thunder remains in sixth. OKC will have to recover quickly, with its next two games against Denver and Phoenix, two of the three teams now tied for third in the West.