Tuesday, November 10, 2009

0.3 Seconds Left!

So I just caught the end of the Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls game. It was an exciting end to the game. The big thing at the end was trying to figure out if a shot by Brad Miller counted with 0.3 seconds left. If it did, it would have gave the Bulls the win. The referees had to keep looking at the replays to figure out if it counted, and ultimately ruled it didn't. It was a great shot either way. However, I was confused on what the NBA rule is on it. A few years ago, in the playoffs, Derek Fisher hit an amazing shot with 0.4 seconds left.  He definitely got it off time and it was good. However, soon after that I believe I heard of a "new" rule that declared if there is 0.3 seconds left, a catch and shoot is not possible. In fact with 0.3 seconds left, it has to be a tip-in. Therefore, there should have been no discussion at all of Brad Miller's shot since it was not a tip-in, but a catch and shoot. I need to find what the actual rule states.

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I believe I found the rule: ":00.3 is needed on the clock to catch the ball and shoot it into the basket whether the shot is made or not." Therefore, it was enough time to catch and shoot. 0.3 is the lowest time possible to catch and shoot, any lower and I assume it has to be a tip in.

Here's the words from the actual rulebook:

The game clock must show :00.3 or more in order for a player to secure possession of the ball on a rebound or throw-in to attempt a field goal. Instant replay shall be utilized if the basket is successful on this type of play and the clock runs to 0:00.
The only type of field goal which may be scored if the game clock is at :00.2 or :00.1 is a “tip-in” or “high lob.”

Source: http://www.nba.com/media/2008-09-NBARuleBook.pdf

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