NBA says refs missed goaltending call at end of Clippers-Rockets game

LOS ANGELES -- The NBA ruled Sunday that Houstoncenter Dwight Howard should have been whistled for goaltending at the end of the Rockets' 109-105 victory Saturday over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Down two points, Clippers forward Blake Griffin had a potential game-tying shot bounce off the rim with about 18.8 seconds to play.

It appeared Howard touched the ball while it was on the rim, which if called would have been goaltending and resulted in a tied game.

Instead, the ball went out of bounds, and the referees called a jump ball. After a replay review it was determined the Rockets should be awarded the ball.

Goaltending is only a reviewable play when it's called on the floor.

In the NBA's Last Two Minutes report, the league said the officials should have called a goaltending on Howard.

"I just try and not let the ball get in the basket," Howard said. "It's [the referee's] job to make calls and my job to play. Can't do nothing about it now."

The Clippers expressed an opposing view.

"I just thought it was a very clear one to call, but that's not why we lost the game," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "I didn't think we played very well, and I didn't think we had a great sense of urgency."