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Portland Trail Blazers will challenge its loss to OKC Thunder after controversial ending

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Portland Trail Blazers are filing a protest with the league office to challenge the result of their 111-109 loss to the OKC Thunder on Tuesday.

The Trail Blazers held a 109-108 lead in the closing seconds when Malcolm Brogdon got double teamed at halfcourt and picked up his dribble. Portland head coach Chauncey Billups tried to call a timeout but was unable to get the referee's attention.

Portland was then called for a double dribble, and Billups was assessed two technicals and ejected.

"The first technical foul was issued due to contact while Chauncey was trying to express himself to the official," referee crew chief Bill Kennedy explained in a pool report. "He makes contact with the official two times, and the result is a technical foul.

"The second technical foul was assessed due to the fact that Chauncey aggressively now tries to follow and pursue the official after the first technical foul was assessed."

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made one of the two technical free throws to tie the game with 15.6 seconds remaining, and OKC got possession.

Jalen Williams then sank the game-winning shot with two seconds left.

"The referee in the slot position was refereeing the double team that was right in front of him," Kennedy said. "(It) makes it difficult for, number one, to hear and, number two, to see a coach request a timeout behind him.

"He is taught to referee the play until completion, which a double dribble happens. And he correctly calls the double dribble, and then pursuant (to that) the technical fouls come forward."

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Why Chauncey Billups said after Trail Blazers' loss to Thunder

When asked about the situation after the game, Billups expressed his frustration.

"It's just a tough situation," Billups said. "We've got timeouts. Referees, usually, are prepared for that instance and that situation. I'm at halfcourt trying to call a timeout. It's just a frustrating play. My guys played too hard for that."

According to NBA rules, Portland must file a written protest within 48 hours of the end of the game. It must also submit a $10,000 check, which will be refunded if the protest is successful.

Both Portland and OKC would then have five days to submit their evidence. After that, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has five days to issue a ruling.

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trail Blazers to challenge loss to Thunder after controversial ending