Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown said a controversial decision in the final seconds of his team's 133-131 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Monday night “makes no sense” and “should be investigated by the NBA.” With time running out in the fourth quarter and the score tied 131-131, the Celtics, playing without Jayson Tatum, put the ball in Brown's hands and let him go to work.
He drove to the baseline and tried to jump, but was fouled by Buddy Hield – at least according to the initial statement on the field. That would have given him two potential free throws with 3.2 seconds left in the contest. Just look:
However, the Pacers challenged, and after a review, the decision was overturned to a clean block. And because the Pacers had immediate possession of the ball, they were awarded the ball. On the following play, Bennedict Mathurn was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made two of his three attempts at the line to give the Pacers the win.
Everyone on the Celtics side was angry about how the game ended, both in real time and in hindsight. Brown appeared at the mouth “This is bullshit” on the field while Celtics announcer Brian Scalabrine lost his mind on the broadcast. Replays show that although Hield hit the ball, he also hit Brown in the back of the head.
The statement from team manager James Williams at the time read: “Upon review, fullback Buddy Hield struck the ball, therefore the on-field statement was rescinded.”
No pool report was made after the game, but Brown, who finished the season with 40 points, didn't need one. Here are his detailed thoughts about the situation:
“I think he obviously hit me in the head. I think they definitely need to investigate something, that's all I can say. I think that was obvious. I've never heard of a head, a part of the ball.” . That doesn't make any sense to me.
“I went up and asked, 'Did I get hit in the head?' [The official] looks me straight in the face and says, “No, you didn’t get hit in the head.” I say, “Okay.” If you end up on the other side, that cost our team the game. Then expect us not to get frustrated. We try to build good habits. We try to win as many games as possible and that's why we only lost one.
“I feel like we have the right to be upset. The league should understand that. Of course we will say something about it after the game. That's why I don't think there should be fines. But I definitely think that one should be examined.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla didn't go as far as Brown, but noted that even the Pacers knew the decision was wrong.
“That doesn’t bother me,” Mazzulla said after the loss. “Just, Buddy Hield told me he fouled out [Jaylen Brown].”
For his part, Hield acknowledged as much but said it was ultimately up to the referees to make the decision.
“I mean, I told Joe what I told Joe,” Hield explained. “But they had three referees out there and they had the replay center and I guess that’s what replay is for. I thought I might have scored.” [Brown] a little bit, but they have three referees out there and they have cameras and they slow down the angles. I felt like it wasn't excessive contact. I know I touched the ball, maybe I hit Brown in the head a little bit. I am not completely sure.
Despite the loss, the Celtics still have the best record in the league at 28-8. As for the Pacers, who improved to 21-15, they have bigger things to worry about than the decision or the outcome. They will await MRI results for star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who missed the first-half win with a left hamstring strain and had to be carried off the floor by his teammates.