Thunder: NBA apologizes for missed call

The NBA has fell on its sword regarding the no-call on Kevin Durant. Durant launched a 3-point shot after receiving an inbounds pass with 1.1 seconds left in the game at Utah. Durant’s shot fell five feet shy, but he immediately claimed he was fouled by the Jazz’s C.J. Miles. Replays showed that Miles hit Durant’s arm, and the NBA didn’t run from the mistake.

“On the final play of last night’s Oklahoma City-Utah game, the officials missed a foul committed by the Jazz’s C.J. Miles on the Thunder’s Kevin Durant during a three-point shot attempt,” NBA president Joel Litvin said in a statement.

Some will say that won’t make the Thunder feel any better. But it should. Officiating in Thunder games has become a big issue in recent weeks, after Kevin Garnett was fined $25,000 for criticizing the officiating in the Thunder’s victory in Boston a week ago. Garnett said officials were treating Durant like Jordan.

The non-call Tuesday night by referee Tony Brothers said otherwise. Which might actually help the Thunder in the playoffs. A mea culpa from the NBA this late in the regular season should mean that officials will be quick to watch — and to call — fouls committed against Durant.

The defeat conceivably could cost the Thunder a top-four seed in the playoffs and homecourt advantage. But the Thunder most likely was headed for the 5-6 slot anyway. If the defeat eventually sends the Thunder down to the No. 8 seed, and a first-round date with the Lakers, that would be crushing.

But most any other playoff assignment gives the Thunder a fighting chance, homecourt advantage or not. And now the Thunder has the official word from the league that not only is Durant not being protected, he’s getting screwed. At least once. That can’t be anything but good for the Thunder in the playoffs.