The most controversial call in last night’s tilt between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers — which the Warriors ultimately lost by a single point — turned out to be a non-call that should’ve been called.
It was easy enough to spot in the heat of the moment: a layup by Gary Payton II that touched the glass before John Collins could get to it in time.
*Sigh* pic.twitter.com/dMFMJ0ZXsI
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) January 6, 2026
Despite the seemingly obvious nature of the goaltend, the officials held their whistles and let play
go on. Understandably irate, Steve Kerr voraciously chewed out the officials, leading to two quick technical fouls and an immediate ejection.
An absolutely irate Steve Kerr was ejected after refs missed a goaltending call on the Clippers 😳 pic.twitter.com/9UIqaEvTPv
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 6, 2026
With Kris Dunn being fouled and the Clippers being owed two technical free throws after Kerr’s ejection, what was supposed to be two points for the Warriors ended up being a six-point swing.
After the game, a pool report interview was conducted with Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.
Pool report from tonight’s Clippers-Warriors game:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 6, 2026
Crew Chief Brian Forte says Gary Payton’s blocked layup attempt that led to Steve Kerr’s ejection should’ve been called a goaltend. Kerr repeatedly shouted profanities at the officials.
Stephen Curry’s floater that was wiped… pic.twitter.com/jTeh29KyTb
Essentially, the officials admitted their error in not calling what was supposed to be a goaltending violation, which should’ve given the Warriors an extra two points on the scoreboard — a sore point considering that they went on to lose by a solitary point.
However, they could not review the call for the following reasons:
- No whistle was blown.
- It wasn’t the last two minutes of the game.
Reasons that simply won’t cut it for a call that the world’s best officials should be on top of in the first place.
