Cavaliers vs. Nuggets: A Controversial Showdown
In an exhilarating showdown on February 9, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a narrow victory over the Denver Nuggets, but not without sparking debate over a couple of pivotal officiating decisions. The matchup, held at Ball Arena in Denver, saw star guard James Harden making headlines with his impactful plays and interactions with the referees.
Key Moments of Controversy
As the game neared its conclusion, controversy erupted over a shot taken by Harden that managed to tie the contest at 117 points with just 33 seconds remaining. The situation drew scrutiny when Tim Hardaway Jr. allegedly impeded Harden’s freedom to land, an act that typically warrants a foul call in such scenarios. However, the NBA’s “Last Two Minute Report” stated that the referees were correct in their decision not to penalize Hardaway, citing that Harden had extended his leg unusually upon landing, thereby creating minimal contact.
Many observers expressed skepticism about this interpretation, noting that Hardaway merely occupied the space where Harden had jumped before his landing.
Free Throws and Missed Calls
Compounding the drama, Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers was awarded two free throws after being fouled by Jamal Murray in the dying seconds of the game. The report corroborated that Murray was tardy in positioning himself, resulting in illegal contact with Mitchell. While this foul led to vital points that helped clinch the win for Cleveland, there was some consensus that a no-call could have also been justified given the situation’s intensity and timing.
Additionally, the report highlighted a missed foul that went against the Nuggets when Jaylon Tyson failed to be called for a three-second violation during a crucial turnover by Nikola Jokic, further illuminating the high-stakes tensions within the final moments of play.
Conclusion
Despite the controversies that unfolded, the Cavaliers would ultimately have little room for complaint following their hard-fought victory.
