Explanation of Goaltending Call at End of Rockets-Suns Game

On the final play of the Houston Rockets’ 101-98 win over the Phoenix Suns on April 9, the Rockets’ James Harden attempted a three-point shot in which the basketball hit the rim and then popped into the air as time expired. After the buzzer, the Suns’ Jermaine O’Neal touched the ball while it was still above the rim and in the imaginary cylinder. Even though the buzzer had sounded, the ball was still “live” and therefore it could not be touched while in the cylinder. The referees correctly ruled the play goaltending on the floor, and confirmed the call on video. View video>>