Kevin Durants Late-Game Blunder Escapes Referee Scrutiny
In a thrilling NBA season opener, Kevin Durant experienced a moment reminiscent of Chris Webber’s infamous mishap. The confrontation took place between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 22, 2025, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Late-Game Tension and Mistake
The game reached a nail-biting climax with just 4.7 seconds remaining in overtime. The score was tied at 115 when Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had his potential game-winning shot blocked. Following this, Durant seized the opportunity and gained possession.
With only moments left on the clock, Durant attempted to call for a timeout to set up a final play. However, the Rockets had exhausted their timeouts. As a result, when Durant called for the timeout, the referees did not respond, overlooking the critical infraction.
Referee Oversight and Consequences
This oversight from the officials should have led to a technical foul against Durant and awarded the Thunder a free throw with approximately one second left. The Thunder players, including head coach Mark Daigneault, voiced their frustration over the missed call.
- Final score: Thunder 125, Rockets 124
- Game date: October 22, 2025
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Despite the confusion, Durant escaped major embarrassment in front of his former fans. This incident highlights that referees may still be shaking off early-season rust. Ultimately, the Thunder’s victory came down to a narrow one-point margin, a win that could have had a different outcome had the free throw been granted.
