In the playoffs, every call could make or break the game for the opposing teams. A controversial shot clock violation was not called in Game 5 between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics.

To recall, with 1:16 remaining in the game, a shot clock violation on the Celtics should've been reviewed, if not called on the spot. But instead, the Celtics were able to get an offensive rebound. Wisely, they wasted an extra 20 seconds before getting fouled, inching closer to victory.

Below is the clip of the violation, which seems to be an obvious one. As posted by The Render:

https://twitter.com/TheRenderNBA/status/988955291667632129

Fans and critics questioned the call. But NBA referee Kenny Mauer was quick to explain. As posted by ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly, Mauer's said in part:

“The rule states that under two minutes we are not allowed to review a potential 24 second violation unless the ball goes in the basket”

Below is the full report:

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The Celtics went on to win, 92-87. They now have a 3-2 advantage and can close it out in Game 6. Horford led the Celtics with a double-double, 22 points, 14 rebounds. Jaylen Brown chipped in 14 points, Terry Rozier with 16 points.

For the Bucks, Khris Middleton led all scorers with 23 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo struggled with just 16 points but had 10 rebounds and nine assists. Eric Bledsoe and Jabari Parker contributed 16 points and 17 points, respectively. The Bucks shot just 36.8 percent from the field.

Whether or not the shot clock violation could've altered the game, no rules state that the NBA can change the outcome despite a failed call. All the Bucks have to do is to simply prepare next game. The refs, meanwhile, need to be more attentive.