WATCH: Officials missing an ‘obvious’ goaltending call on Ja Morant’s chasedown block attempt against the Hawks enrages fans on social media

The game, which ended in a 125-119 victory for the Grizzlies, was overshadowed by this controversy.

WATCH: Officials missing an ‘obvious’ goaltending call on Ja Morant’s chasedown block attempt against the Hawks enrages fans on social media

The ball was long in it's downward arc before Ja Morant even touched it (Via screengrab/NBA)

In a game filled with high-flying action and stellar performances, one moment stood out and sparked widespread debate. During the Memphis Grizzlies‘ recent clash against the Atlanta Hawks, Ja Morant‘s chase-down block on Bogdan Bogdanovic‘s layup became the center of controversy. The block, which occurred in the crucial final minutes, appeared to be a clear case of goaltending upon replay, but officials missed the call, leading to an uproar among fans and analysts alike.

The incident took place with just over two minutes remaining in the game. The Grizzlies, led by Desmond Bane‘s 37 points and Morant’s 30, were clinging to a narrow lead. Morant’s athletic block was initially celebrated, but replays showed the ball might have hit the backboard before Morant’s intervention, which should have been ruled as goaltending.

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The game, which ended in a 125-119 victory for the Grizzlies, was overshadowed by this controversy. While Memphis celebrated their third straight win since Morant’s return from suspension, the Atlanta Hawks and their fans were left to rue what might have been had the call been made correctly.

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Trae Young‘s historic performance for the Hawks, tying Oscar Robertson‘s record for consecutive games with at least 30 points and 10 assists, was also a highlight of the night. However, the missed call on Morant’s block remained the hot topic post-game.

Fan reactions to the horrendous no-call on Ja Morant’s chasedown block

The NBA has seen its fair share of controversial calls, and this incident adds to the list. The difference between a spectacular block and goaltending can often be a matter of milliseconds, and in this case, it had a significant impact on the game’s outcome.

The missed goaltending call in question Ja Morant
The missed goaltend call in question (Image via screengrab/NBA)

Fans took to social media to express their frustration and disbelief. Here are some of their reactions on X:

https://twitter.com/sampowe117/status/1738756905131200690

The NBA has yet to comment on the incident, but it has certainly sparked a conversation about the need for more accurate and timely officiating, especially in crucial game moments.

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