Jonathan Feigen: Raps coach Nick Nurse seemed incredulous that James Harden was not credited with two points for a dunk. “He should just stand there and say, “Hey, it went in.” Yeah it went in. Give him the two points. A lot of people saw it go in.
James Harden Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: G
Born: 08/26/89
Height: 6-5 / 1.96
Weight:220 lbs. / 99.8 kg.
Salary: $38,199,000
Born: 08/26/89
Height: 6-5 / 1.96
Weight:220 lbs. / 99.8 kg.
Salary: $38,199,000
Rockets to file official protest
The Rockets prepared to file a protest of Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, a person with knowledge of the team’s plans said, with an argument that will cite the James Harden dunk that did not count as an example of a “misapplication of rules.” It will also cite subsequent errors in officials’ failing to grant a coaches’ challenge, though the primary argument is with points not being awarded following a made basket.
Crew chief James Capers, speaking to a pool reporter on Tuesday after the Rockets’ double overtime loss to the Spurs, said after seeing video it was clear that the ball went through the net and the basket should have counted. Capers said the coaches’ challenge was not granted because it was not requested as required within a 30-second window.
Houston had been optimistic in the wake of the loss that the NBA office would take action without a protest being necessary. However, sources said the Rockets are leaning toward filing a protest to ensure that the NBA office will have to make a ruling.
NBA rules require a protest to be filed within 48 hours after a game. Sources said the NBA office has started conducting an investigation that could take longer than the 48-hour window. The Rockets contend that they should either be awarded the win — because they actually outscored the Spurs in regulation — or that the final seven minutes, 50 seconds of the game be replayed at a later date. League sources, however, scoffed at the suggestion that the Rockets would be awarded the victory.
Kevin Chouinard: Kenny Atkinson on Trae Young’s improved ability to draw free throws: “I think he’s been watching James Harden at night.”
