NBA Makes Kevin Durant Announcement After Rockets Loss

In the final seconds of the first overtime period, Durant attempted to call timeout while Houston did not have one remaining. Per league rules, this is an automatic technical foul which should have put Oklahoma City at the free throw line for a chance to win the game. Instead, the officiating crew missed it and the game went into a second overtime.

Speaking with reporters after the game, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear that Durant called for a timeout both verbally and with his hands. However, the reigning league MVP also had some grace for the officials.

"Kevin definitely called timeout about three times verbally and physically with his hands," Gilgeous-Alexander said (via Thunder). "I think the refs just missed it. That's life. You make mistakes in life. You move on. Nothing too crazy... They didn't do it on purpose."

In the official Last Two Minute Report for this game, the NBA announced that Durant did indeed attempt to call timeout — admitting the call was missed with less than one second remaining on the game clock.

"After securing the rebound, Durant (HOU) signals for a timeout but it is not seen by the officials," the NBA wrote. "If recognized, a technical foul would have been assessed to HOU for an excessive timeout."

The league officially labeled this an "Incorrect Non-Call" by the officiating crew.

Thunder Defeat Rockets Despite Blown Call

Despite the officiating crew missing what could have been a game-deciding call, Oklahoma City was able to prevail in the second overtime period to defeat Houston by one point. The defending champions were led by reigning NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who finished with 35 points, five rebounds and five assists in 47 minutes.

While the missed Durant call has received a lot of attention, it was not the only incorrect ruling the NBA highlighted on the Last Two Minute Report. Per the league, Gilgeous-Alexander should have been called for a shooting foul against Amen Thompson with 1:14 remaining in regulation.

Houston will return to action on Friday against the Detroit Pistons, while Oklahoma City will play its next game on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers.