NBA Finals end in bizarre fashion as Warriors call timeout they don't have
The Toronto Raptors are NBA champions. It just took a while to get there after a bizarre sequence in the game’s final seconds brought the proceedings to a screeching halt.
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With 9.6 seconds remaining in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors inbounded the ball, down 111-110, and simply needing a field goal to take the lead. The ball naturally went to Stephen Curry, who missed a clean look at the basket.
The ensuing rebound bounced off multiple hands and into halfcourt, where Draymond Green finally got a hold of the ball. Multiple Warriors called timeout and the clock stopped with 0.9 seconds remaining, just enough to get Curry another shot at a game-winner.
Just one problem: The Warriors didn’t have a timeout to use. So instead of attempting a game-winner, the Warriors were assessed a technical foul. The Raptors were given one free throw, made by Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, and — more importantly — possession of the ball. The game was effectively over.
Of course, the referees still found a way to extend the game. As the Raptors inbounded the ball and commenced celebrating the first NBA championship in franchise history, a foul was called on Andre Iguodala and Leonard was given two more free throws.
Leonard again converted from the charity stripe and the Raptors were finally champions. Given that the team had waited 24 years for its first title, what’s an extra few minutes here and there?
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