An officiating oversight — the officials granted the Texas Legends a technical free throw, because they believed the Fort Wayne Mad Ants used a timeout they didn’t have — led to one of the weirdest situations in NBA D-League history.
On Nov. 22, an incorrect technical foul was assessed to the Mad Ants with 0.9 seconds remaining in regulation that led to a Legends free throw and a supposed 100-99 win. The Mad Ants had used a timeout that an official incorrectly believed they didn’t have, which led to the incorrect technical foul call and a subsequent protest that was granted two weeks later.
The controversial 0.9 seconds, and maybe more, would be replayed.
Mad Ants guard Peyton Siva missed the full-court heave, sending the game to overtime. Fort Wayne prevailed in overtime, 105-99, erasing Texas’ victory off the win-loss ledger.
Legends coach Eduardo Najera, presumably frustrated with the outcome, didn’t meet Fort Wayne coach Conner Henry at mid court following the game.
“I honestly wish that none of this would have ever happened,” Henry said. “But if somebody has to win, then I’m glad the Fort Wayne Mad Ants did.”
