Times Referees RUINED The NBA..

When it comes to the NBA, few things spark more outrage and debate than a referee’s whistle. Over the years, there have been countless moments where questionable officiating changed the course of games, seasons, and even legacies. Here are 20 of the most infamous times NBA referees left fans, players, and coaches shaking their heads.

20. The Tatum “T” – A Technical for Nothing

Jayson Tatum received a technical foul for what appeared to be nothing at all. Even the commentators called it “bogus” and “ridiculous”—a call that left everyone, including Tatum, baffled.

19. Anthony Edwards’ Dunk Wiped Away

Anthony Edwards delivered one of the nastiest dunks of the year, only for the referees to call an offensive foul, erasing the highlight and leaving fans stunned.

18. Giannis Steps Out of Bounds

Giannis Antetokounmpo clearly stepped out of bounds on a game-tying play, but the referees missed it, costing the opposing team a chance at overtime.

17. Damian Lillard’s Goaltend Meltdown

With the game on the line, Damian Lillard’s layup was obviously goaltended, but the refs swallowed their whistles. Even Jazz players admitted it was a missed call. Lillard later blasted the officiating, claiming it cost his team the game.

16. Jordan Poole Passes to the Ref

Jordan Poole made a routine pass to the referee, but was inexplicably called for a technical foul—one of the stranger moments in recent memory.

15. Scott Foster Ejects Scotty Barnes

Scott Foster, known for his no-nonsense approach, ejected Scotty Barnes for talking to himself. Barnes claimed he was just muttering under his breath, but Foster wasn’t having it.

14. High-Five Technical

Blake Griffin and Reggie Evans high-fived after a play and were hit with a technical foul. To this day, fans and analysts are still waiting for an explanation.

13. Dead Ball, Three Free Points

In a game between the Cavs and Hornets, Dean Wade was given a technical for interfering during a dead ball, inexplicably awarding the Hornets three points after review.

12. LeBron’s Missed Foul

LeBron James was clearly fouled on a game-winning layup attempt, but the refs missed it—even with a ref standing right in front of the play. The Lakers lost in overtime, and the incident became a meme.

11. Kevin Durant’s Out-of-Bounds Save

KD was blatantly out of bounds when he saved a ball, but the refs let play continue, leading to a crucial basket for the Warriors. Even slow-motion replays couldn’t convince the officials to overturn the call.

10. Finals Review Failure

During the 2010 NBA Finals, a crucial out-of-bounds play in the final minutes was incorrectly called, despite new rules allowing for video review. The officials watched from every angle and still got it wrong.

9. Thunder-Jazz Playoff Fiasco

In the 2018 playoffs, the refs changed an obvious foul call on Paul George, then missed a clear foul on the Thunder’s final possession, helping the Jazz clinch the series.

8. Warriors-Mavs Confusion

In a 2023 Warriors-Mavericks game, referees awarded the ball to the wrong team after a timeout, leading to a free basket for the Warriors. The Mavericks lost by two, and Luka Doncic was fined for his reaction.

7. Hornets’ Buzzer Beater Waved Off

A potential game-winning shot for the Hornets was immediately waved off by the referee, sending the game to overtime and eventually costing the Magic the series.

6. Rasheed Wallace’s Silent Ejection

Rasheed Wallace was ejected for simply staring at referee Steve Javie. Javie claimed Wallace was trying to intimidate him, but fans and players alike were left speechless.

5. Rockets-Warriors Game 7 Meltdown

In the 2018 Western Conference Finals, the Rockets accused refs of missing nine crucial calls in Game 7, helping the Warriors advance to the NBA Finals.

4. Joey Crawford’s Wild Career

Joey Crawford, notorious for his antics, once ejected Tim Duncan for laughing on the bench. Crawford’s behavior eventually led to a ban from the league.

3. The Most Rigged Game Ever?

Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and Kings saw the Lakers shoot 27 free throws in the fourth quarter alone, compared to just nine for the Kings. Many still call it the most rigged game in NBA history.

2. Tim Donaghy: The Ref Who Went to Prison

Tim Donaghy, an NBA referee, was convicted of betting on games he officiated and fixing outcomes. His actions destroyed trust in NBA officiating and led to a 15-month prison sentence.

1. The NBA’s Ongoing Ref Problem

From technicals for high-fives to missed game-changing fouls, NBA referees have been at the center of controversy for decades. While mistakes are human, some calls have changed the course of basketball history—and left fans wondering if the league will ever get it right.