Pool Report interview was conducted by Tim Cato (The Athletic) with Crew Chief Zach Zarba following tonight’s Thunder at Mavericks game.     

QUESTION:  Should Jalen Williams have been called for a double dribble on his driving dunk at the 1:29 mark in the fourth quarter?

ZARBA:   The answer is no. We felt Williams never gained control of that basketball.  Therefore, he’s allowed to initiate a dribble after he secures it.  Post-game video review confirmed our on-court ruling.

QUESTION:  What typically signifies the control of the basketball?

ZARBA:   It’s got to be a controlled dribble, possession of the ball, generally something that you would reset the shot clock on if it was a turnover.  For example, if that would have been stolen and that action would have occurred you would not have reset the shot clock on that play because it’s not deemed a possession.  That was more a bat that was more of a bat than a fumble than a controlled dribble therefore he’s allowed after he secures it to initiate the dribble.