Context:

A crucial play during a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers involved a controversial missed call that had significant implications for the outcome. Aaron Nesmith's putback dunk should not have counted as he entered the arc prematurely before Pascal Siakam's free throw release, which is against the rules. The referees, unable to review lane violations, missed this infraction, allowing the Pacers to gain an unfair advantage and change the momentum of the game. As a result, the Pacers completed a comeback that should not have occurred, ultimately affecting the entire series. This oversight overshadowed Donovan Mitchell's performance and highlighted the need for key players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley for the Cavaliers to succeed in future games.

Dive Deeper:

• Aaron Nesmith's putback dunk for the Indiana Pacers against the Cleveland Cavaliers was a pivotal moment that should not have counted due to a rule violation.

• Nesmith entered the arc early before Pascal Siakam released his free throw, which is not allowed, but the referees did not catch this infraction during the game.

• The officials could not review the play for a lane violation, as their review was limited to checking for basket interference, which did not occur.

• This missed call allowed the Pacers to gain momentum unfairly, leading to a comeback that changed the dynamics of the game and the series.

• Donovan Mitchell’s exceptional performance was overshadowed by this controversial ending, and it emphasized the Cavaliers' need for the return of key players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

• The biggest play of the season for both the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers never should've counted.

• Without it, there would've been no Tyrese Haliburton buzzer beater, and Donovan Mitchell's masterpiece would've held up in a victory.

• Here's what happened: With the Pacers down 119-112 and less than a minute left, Pascal Siakim missed his second free throw.

• On the television broadcast, Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith appeared almost out of nowhere to rise up for a putback slam (and injure Donovan Mitchell while landing).

• But what became clear on replays is that Nesmith entered the arc way too early.

• MORE: Donovan Mitchell masterpiece spoiled by heartbreaking ending

• He was positioned outside the 3-point line when Siakim was shooting. By rule, Nesmith can't step inside the arc until Siakim releases the ball.

• You be the judge:

• AARON NESMITH WITH THE RIDICULOUS PUTBACK SLAM IN THE CLUTCH 💪pic.twitter.com/hA578hbjlx

• — Whistle (@WhistleSports) May 7, 2025 MORE: How Pacers completed insane comeback

• Nesmith is practically even with Siakim at the time of release.

• It's akin to a football defensive end being next to the quarterback when the ball is snapped.

• The referees couldn't review for this call. They looked to see if basket interference had occurred, but the ball was off the cylinder.

• They can't check on a lane violation, and so the Pacers got away with this game-changing play.

• Cleveland was still up five and should've held on.

• But the Pacers seized momentum, on a play that was against the rules, and it changed the entire series.

• MORE: Cavs need Darius Garland, Evan Mobley back, or else