Brad Miller Can't Beat the Buzzer

Great game in Chicago last night, where the Nuggets and the Bulls went down to the final ticks of the clock to decide the outcome. And if you were rooting for the home team, you likely found the ending to be more than a little bit controversial.

With the Nuggets up by one, and 0.3 seconds showing on the game clock, the Bulls inbounded to Brad Miller, who caught it, quickly turned, and appeared to beat the buzzer as the ball left his hand and went through the basket. But after going to the instant replay, the officials ruled the ball was still in his hands as time expired.

To the video!

The action starts at the 1:39 mark:

Incredible shot by Miller there, but after watching the replay over and over again, the ball did appear to still be on his fingertips when the red light behind the backboard came on. The officials got it right.

And just for the record -- because I heard more than one broadcaster make this mistake while discussing the play afterwards -- 0.3 seconds is enough time for there to be a catch-and-shoot, according to the NBA rule book:

"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." "

So ideally, as fans, we don't want games to end with referees huddled around a video monitor for several minutes, because it takes the air out of the building after what was undeniably an electric atmosphere, once Miller's shot appeared to be good at first glance. But we do want the game to be decided fairly. And according to the rules that have been put into place by the league, in this case, it was.