The Dallas Mavericks lost their third consecutive game on Wednesday night to the last-place team in the NBA’s Western Conference New Orleans Pelicans 119-116. The nature of the defeat is what drew attention, however.

Jan 15, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) blocks the shot of Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images / Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

With four second remaining, Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie attempted a layup that was blocked by Pelicans wing Trey Murphy. Dinwiddie’s layup clearly hit the backboard before