Apr 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) dunks during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies during game three for the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

NBA Admits Mistake in Thunder-Grizzlies Game 3

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 5:45 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies drew the unfortunate first round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as their fall from second in the standings to eighth after the All-Star break led to it. Through the first two games, the Grizzlies didn't even look like they belonged on the same court, suffering 51 and 19-point losses. However, Game 3 looked like a different story through the first half.

Heading into halftime of Game 3 with a 26-point lead, the Thunder stormed back to beat the Grizzlies 114-108 as Memphis scored just 31 points in the second half. A game that came down to the final minutes, the NBA's Last Two Minute Report has revealed a mistake in the officiating that should've gone in OKC's favor.

THUNDER STRIKE BACK IN THE SECOND HALF ⚡️

OKC completes the largest halftime comeback in NBA playoff history to take a 3-0 lead over the Grizzlies! pic.twitter.com/8sIfjd4gWZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 25, 2025

As shared in the Last Two Minute Report, the NBA admitted a mistake that resulted in an incorrect no-call against the Memphis Grizzlies.

At the 19-second mark in the fourth quarter, Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard was moving to get open on an inbound pass and made what was later noted as illegal contact with Thunder guard Lou Dort that sent him to the ground. The report revealed that it should've been called an offensive foul, but wasn't called for anything.

The Thunder scored more points in the 3Q (36) than the Grizzlies did in the entire 2nd half (31) pic.twitter.com/tYPodHETE4
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 25, 2025

"Kennard (MEM) continues moving forward into Dort (OKC), delivering illegal contact that dislodges him from his defensive position."

While the play let Memphis get away with an offensive possession at the end of the game, it didn't end up affecting the result of the game. Looking ahead, the Thunder have a chance to end the series with a sweep in Game 4 on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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