The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 of their first round series on Tuesday night to take a commanding 3-2 series lead. They can now close the series out in Milwaukee on Thursday night, but it won't be an easy task by any means.
Late in last night's game, Celtics center Al Horford attempted a three-pointer from the left wing with about 1:16 to play in an attempt to beat the shot-clock buzzer. He missed, but Boston recovered the loose ball, was fouled, and gained another possession. The Bucks bench was irate, thinking that Horford didn't get the shot off in time, and they were right. The replay clearly showed that Horford still had the ball in his hands. The officials, however, decided not to review it for whatever reason even though the play literally just happened.
Referees in #Celtics – #Bucks game missed a shot clock violation on Al Horford. Big swing in momentum for Boston. pic.twitter.com/U5x4Yb8Iat
— SQ Sports NBA Podcast (@SQ_Sports) April 25, 2018
Lead official Kenny Mauer told head coach Joe Prunty, star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Bucks that the play was not reviewable, and added more about the play after the game.
NBA referee Kenny Mauer on the 24-second shot clock violation the #Celtics should've been called for, but instead, were awarded the ball back, and wasted an extra 20 seconds on the #Bucks. Boston was up 84-79 with 1:16 left when this happened. pic.twitter.com/h8veLRTg6M
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 25, 2018
If the shot-clock violation was called, Milwaukee would've gotten the ball back with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter down 79-84. Anything could've happened over the next minute, but instead, the Celtics were able to use 20 more seconds of clock before the Bucks regained possession.
Game 6 will be on Thursday night, and it's a must-win for the Bucks.
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