NBL admit crucial referee mistake cost Melbourne United victory in Perth Wildcats clash

The NBL have conceded referees made a crucial mistake in the Wildcat’s win over Melbourne United, that robbed the ladder leaders a shot at victory.

The NBL has conceded it made a crucial mistake in Monday’s Melbourne United versus Perth Wildcats overtime thriller, which cost United a chance to win.

Referee boss Scott Butler admits the officials missed a foul on United star Matthew Dellavedova with 1.8 seconds remaining in regulation time.

Perth big man Alex Sarr made contact with Dellavedova as he completed a successful layup, which would have sent him to the free-throw line with a chance to win the game, but Wildcats coach John Rillie appealed and had the on-court call of a “push” overturned.

The Wildcats went on to win 102-95.

Butler said the officials made the correct call on the pushing foul, however a foul should have been called on Dellavedova.

The NBL have conceded referees made a crucial mistake after Matthew Dellavedova was ‘pushed’ but the call was overturned. Picture: Getty Images

“We do acknowledge a mistake was made on that play and Sarr should have been called for a hands foul, which would have resulted in Dellavedova going to the foul line,” Butler said.

“Perth coach John Rillie challenged the call made on the floor. The coaches challenge rule states that only the called foul can be challenged. In this instance, it was correctly determined there was no pushing foul on Sarr, and the decision was correctly overturned.

“To clarify, no-calls cannot be changed or challenged via the coaches challenge.”

Butler also confirmed Dellavedova was correctly hit with a foul after colliding with Perth guard Jordan Usher in the final seconds of regulation time.

“On the next play with 1.8 seconds remaining, Dellavedova was called for a pushing foul against Perth’s Jordan Usher. Upon review, this was the correct decision,” he said.

“It was not deemed a throw-in foul, as the foul occurred after the ball had left the hands of the player inbounding.”

Perth Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie challenged the decision and had the ‘push’ call overturned. Picture: Getty Images

Perth secured victory in a match that saw a whopping 61 fouls called.

Round 6 also witnessed the most free throws in NBL history.

Monday’s United versus Wildcats game was the lowest game time in history for a match with both teams called for 30 fouls.

Wildcats 31 fouls, United 30 fouls in 45 minutes of game time.

Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman had also asked for clarification from the NBL on the crucial calls.

Vickerman believed Dellavedova was clearly fouled while attempting his layup in the closing seconds of regular time.

“I go back and watch it after the game and say ‘Saar hit Delly on the arm.’,” Vickerman said.

“Someone is going to have to tell me what happened on that play. It’s clear as day that an arm comes across his arm and hits the play and we should be shooting a shot for the win. To overturn that is crazy.

“There’s a couple of other plays I want clarification on as well.”

Here’s every major moment that happened in the final 20 seconds of regulation last night + Vickerman’s reaction after the game#NBL24pic.twitter.com/5ncOqH9cx6

— NBL News (@NBL_News) November 7, 2023

MVP RACE: IS THE KING ABOUT TO RETAKE HIS CROWN?

Milton Doyle emerged as the early NBL MVP frontrunner, Parker Jackson-Cartwright exploded onto the scene, Nate Sobey carried the Brisbane Bullets in Aron Baynes’ absence and Big Sauce Alan Williams has been a monster since returning from injury.

But is Jaylen Adams the man to beat for the second time in three years?

The Kings have been up and down but still sit at the pointy end of the table. Adams has hardly hit his straps and is putting up MVP-like numbers: 19 points, 4.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

Jaylen Adams drives to the basket during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

When he last played in the NBL two seasons ago, The explosive guard averaged 20.1 points, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals on his way to the MVP and championship.

Pat Miller is making a huge impact in his first season in Cairns, ditto Jordon Crawford alongside Doyle in Tasmania.

Traditional MVP candidates Mitch Creek and Bryce Cotton have still been great — but not quite at the level of previous seasons, while Cotton’s new teammate Keanu Pinder appears to be winding up.

Williams recently nominated Chris Goulding, as the best player on the best team in the NBL, 8-1 Melbourne United, and he has a point. But any of Luke Travers, Ariel Hukporti, Shea Ili and Matthew Dellavedova can look like MVPs on their day at United, while Jo Lual-Acuil Jr could emerge as the best player on the title favourites.

Adelaide have been a long way off it, but a pair of guards in Trey Kell and Dejan Vasiljevic have impressed at times, while William McDowell-White has shown signs in New Zealand after a delayed start.

Plenty want to fete the league’s shiny new toys, but the Andrew Gaze Trophy might just land with Adams again.

CRYING FOUL: IS THE WHISTLE NBL’S BIGGEST PROBLEM?

Debate is raging over the unprecedented foul count to start to NBL24, with the most free-throws in league history recorded in the opening rounds.

Social media has exploded over the whistle blowers – and opinion is divided when it comes to the blaming the officials or the players.

The heated discussion ramped up on Thursday when a whopping 77 free-throws were recorded in Brisbane’s home clash against South East Melbourne.

Boomers great Andrew Bogut took to social media to point out the alarming trend, saying: “Yikes – gotta be close to a record for a regulation game, @nblfacts?”

NBL Facts – the former league based encyclopaedia on all things statistics – was quick to reply and offer Bogut the reality of the situation.

Across all 37 games played so far:

The NBL averages 44.6 free-throws per game - the most ever per minute of game time in League history.

Fouls called per game:
This year 39.6
2023: 38.2
2022: 36.0
2021: 35.2#NBL24https://t.co/OBMK2h2EXW

— NBLfacts (@nblfacts) November 2, 2023

Across the 37 games played, the NBL averages 44.6 free-throws per game – the most ever per minute of game time in league history.

By way of comparison, the NBL plays 40 minute games. The NBA this season is averaging 44.2 free-throws per contest in 48 minute games.

As some people have rightly pointed out, there’s no defensive lane violation rules in the NBL while the shorter game makes every possession more intense and important.

Australians are also known for their physicality in defence, which was recently pointed out by new Sydney Kings coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah.

The Kings mentor, who was previously an assistant coach at the Houston Rockets, said everyone would be fouled out in the NBA if you played as physically as the players do in Australia.

Regardless, there is a belief that the NBL’s high foul count can detract from the viewing product for fans.

Plenty of hoops supporters aimed their frustration about the fouls towards the referees, but former NBL champion Mark Worthington doesn’t agree.

It was a foul frenzy in Thursday’s Brisbane versus South East Melbourne clash. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

Worthington rightly pointed out that plenty of the fouls are being caused by the players themselves.

“Lots of complaints about the foul count and the refs in tonight’s game but for the most part they were fouling,” Worthington said during Thursday’s Bullets versus Phoenix clash.

On a lighter note, the NBL’s coaches’ challenge during the broadcast is causing quite the stir.

As we’ve seen in the NBA, the referees announce the decision of the coaches’ challenge down the barrel of the camera.

The NBL is following a similar path this season – and it’s resulted in a series of comical images online of the referees up close and personal.

Big Sauce and the bobbleheads: The NBL's adjudication has come under scrutiny during Round 6.

Veteran hoops scribe Boti Nagy had some fun this week when he posted the invasive images, accompanied with the words: “Stop NBL, please stop”.

“The NBL may be doing parents a favour by providing them with images to scare the children to bed but they also are horrifying unsuspecting adults with a bizarre new terror only added this season to the television broadcasts.”

CATS BITE BACK – NOW BRACE FOR UNITED

You could forgive Jesse Wagstaff if he had a chip on his shoulder following his 450-game snub, but instead the veteran Perth forward is personifying leadership.

This was on show on Saturday night after the Wildcats snapped a four-game losing streak with a crucial victory over the Adelaide 36ers.

The win was vital to temporarily ease pressure on under-fire coach John Rillie, amid calls for his axing.

“Do not take your foot off the Fkn gas”.

That’s a leader right there! pic.twitter.com/1HZp7Uw5wh

— Full Court Fitness (@AdamWesterhout) November 4, 2023

Wagstaff wasn’t satisfied, though, calling for more from his teammates in the post-game huddle after they let a double-digit lead slip.

“We’re up 20, we let our foot off the f*cking gas,” Wagstaff fired.

“We get a win, do not let the f*cking foot off the gas. We’re f***ing building. “We’re building. One by one.”

Perth face a monumental challenge on Monday – an away clash against ladder leaders Melbourne United.

It won’t be easy, but the Wildcats will feel more confident after superstar guard Bryce Cotton rediscovered his shooting mojo against the 36ers.

Cotton finished with 29 points, including 62.5 per cent from two-point range and 42.9 per cent from three, a stark improvement on his previous career lows.

Thought I’d seen it all this week in the feedback stakes ! Hang with us. Proud of the @PerthWildcats to tough it out tonight. Onto @MelbUnited Monday. Baby steps - we believe in this team, come with us … https://t.co/wcxrp5C46t

— Craig Hutchison (@craighutchy) November 4, 2023

Perth owner Craig Hutchison also took to social media to hit back at a fan who said: “They get the win but wowee. It‘s just so disappointing for a once powerhouse club.”

Hutchison responded in kind, declaring: Thought I’d seen it all this week in the feedback stakes. Hang with us. Proud of the Perth Wildcats to tough it out tonight. Onto Melbourne United Monday. Baby steps – we believe in this team, come with us.”

PAST LEGENDS FLOCK BACK TO BULLETS

Brisbane’s re-emergence has become the good news story of NBL24.

After years of turmoil that drove a number of all-time Bullets’ greats away from the club, new coach Justin Schueller and chief executive Mal Watts made it a priority to reconnect with the men who made immeasurable contributions to what Schueller calls “the Bullets’ way”.

Crosscourt can reveal the club has launched a past-players initiative in a bid to bring them back into the fold.

Schueller and Watts recently met with the club’s greatest player Leroy Loggins at Brisbane’s popular Norman Hotel and, over a steak, invited him back to the club.

Nathan Sobey celebrates victory with former player Leroy Loggins after the round five NBL match between Brisbane Bullets and the Jackjumpers. Picture: Getty Images

In an interview with fellow club great and NBL broadcaster Derek Rucker, Loggins revealed a rift with former Bullets’ chief executive Peter McLennan had driven him away.

“The last CEO I couldn’t get along with so I didn’t come to any games, but the group they have this year, I love them, man, I love the team, I’ve always loved Brisbane, so I’m here,” Loggins said on ESPN during the Round 6 win over South East Melbourne.

Rucker said Loggins “bleeds Bullets’ blue” and “It’s great to have you back” at Nissan Arena, while fellow NBL legend Bruce Bolden was prompted to tweet: ‘No matter how many @BrisbaneBullets or @NBL ownership changes LL (Leroy Loggins) should have front row seats to every game for life.’

No matter how many @BrisbaneBullets or @NBL ownership changes LL should have front row seats to every game for life. SMDH https://t.co/EaaL3LjQTH

— Bruce Bolden (@BruceBolden32) November 2, 2023

As part of the effort to honour its past players, Brisbane’s two-time championship coach Brian Kerle, 268-game stalwart Rodger Smith and former import Andre Moore, who made his home in the Sunshine State, were at the club’s season launch.

Each locker at Nissan Arena has the names of the players who have worn that jersey number for the club and the tunnel has the name of every coach and player in Bullets history along with a timeline of its achievements.

The Bullets only won eight games all of last season but finished Round 6 with a .500 record at 5-5 — and only after a heartbreaking two-point loss to Tassie on the road.

They’re no longer the league’s easybeats.

COULD SIXERS SWING ANOTHER ROSTER CHANGE?

Adelaide has not ruled out making another change, should a high-quality import centre become available.

The Sixers’ signing of two-time Sydney Kings champion Dejan Vasiljevic has injected new life into their NBL24 campaign but Aussie giant Isaac Humphries is the club’s only true five man — any injury would leave them seriously undersized.

Caught 'em nappin'.

📺 - ESPN via Kayo Sports. pic.twitter.com/eU5E0sJq9c

— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) November 4, 2023

Crosscourt has been told no signing is imminent but the Sixers do have a vacant import spot after the axing of Jamaal Franklin in pre-season and would consider pulling the trigger if the right opportunity materialised.

HAWKS FAITHFUL SEND GOORJ SOS:

Frustrated Illawarra Hawks fans have pleaded with former coach Brian Goorjian to return to the struggling club and rescue it from mediocrity.

The Hawks reached a new low on Friday in a 20-point loss to local rivals, the Sydney Kings.

Illawarra has now lost eight straight games to the Kings, including six consecutively at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

The Hawks have won just five games in the past two seasons under coach Jacob Jackomas’ reign.

Illawarra fans are entitled to feel let down – but will the club act? Time will tell.

Todd Blanchfield reacts during the round six NBL loss to the Sydney Kings. Picture: Getty Images

HUKPORTI THE WEMBY STOPPER?

Loved the comments from Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman on Next Star Ariel Hukporti, the Wemby-stopper.

San Antonio’s gigantic French No.1 pick Victor Wembanyama has only played five games for the Spurs but he’s already picking the NBA apart with a combination of size, skill and athleticism the world has never seen — and that includes Bol Bol.

Maybe no one in the world can stop 224cm Wembanyama but Hukporti, 213cm with a 222cm wingspan and some pretty insane athleticism of his own, is as good a chance as anyone.

Ariel Hukporti has shown there is serious potential there. Picture: Getty Images

NBA scouts have been monitoring the big man for years and he’s returned from a ruptured Achilles a much-improved player, naturally the most polished of all eight Next Stars, given his previous experience.

He’s second in the NBL in rebounding at 9.4rpg, fifth in the league in blocked shots (1.3bpg), fifth among qualified players in field goal percentage (64%) and, for the real numbers nerds, the German-Togolese NBA draft prospect is an advanced-stat monster:

— Owns the No.1 defensive rating in the NBL (95 points per 100 possessions)

— No.1 in win shares (2.1)

— No. 2 in defensive and offensive rebound percentage (29% and 22%)

— Equal second in defensive win shares (0.6) behind teammate Luke Travers (0.8)

— Equal third with 1.7 points per shot

— Equal fourth in block percentage (6%)

— Sixth best player efficiency rating (PER) at 28.1

Look out, Wemby — and the Perth Wildcats, who top-of-the-table United hosts in a Cup Eve grudge match on Monday night.

Originally published as NBL admit crucial referee mistake cost Melbourne United victory in Perth Wildcats clash