The Pool Report interview was conducted by Tomer Azarly (ClutchPoints) with Crew Chief Zach Zarba following today’s Nuggets at Clippers game.

 

April 26, 2025

 

QUESTION: There was that altercation at the end of the first half there. How did the officials decide on which players got a technical and what led to those technicals being assigned?

ZARBA: After the altercation, we went to the video review, and looking at all the angles, we felt everyone involved had an equitable role in the altercation. Due to that, they were all given equitable penalties.

QUESTION: Now some of the replay reviews have shown hands swinging and potentially connecting with faces. How do you determine what might be cause for ejection and what isn’t in a situation like that?

ZARBA: A closed fist attempt to punch someone, whether that makes contact or not, would definitely fall under an ejectable offense.

QUESTION: So there were none of those in the replay, correct?

ZARBA: Correct.

QUESTION: How did the crew decide on the game-winning dunk by Gordon? How was that judgment made?

ZARBA: We make a ruling on the floor. The ruling on the floor from the game officials was a good basket. It then automatically goes to the Replay Center official. The Replay Center official, after taking a good look at it, found clear and conclusive evidence that the ball was out of Gordon’s hands when the red light came on to end the game. That’s why it was ruled a good basket. The NBA Official X account is going to post a video shortly showing why the decision was made and the technology involved.

QUESTION: There were some angles that showed that it may have still been touching his hand. Can you explain that part of it?

ZARBA: It has to be out of his hand when that red light is on. That’s what we’re looking for. It’s not the cylinder of the rim — it’s whether it’s in contact with his hand or not when that red light comes on.

QUESTION: The replay official outside of the arena decided that it was out of his hand?

ZARBA: Correct. From all the angles and the technology that they have in the Replay Center.