The NBA officials make a statement on the controversial jump ball call from Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers
The Denver Nuggets headed into the fourth quarter of their first NBA Cup Group Play contest against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, October 31st, with a lead. However, the Trail Blazers showed their determination and outscored Denver 38-26 in the fourth quarter to secure the 109-107 victory. While the Trail Blazers had some clutch plays, some would argue the whistle went their way.
Late in the game, with 6.6 seconds remaining on the game clock, Denver's Jamal Murray inbounded the ball to Nikola Jokic, who was being guarded by Portland's star defender Toumani Camara. Camara ended up getting tied up with Jokic, forcing a controversial jump ball call that many believed was a foul. However, the NBA has since made its statement on the play.
NBA Addresses Controversial Call In Nuggets-Trail Blazers
According to the NBA's Last Two-Minute Report, the officials stated that it was a correct no-call and the right decision was made on Camara forcing the jump ball.
"Camara (POR) cleanly ties up Jokic (DEN) and a jump ball is correctly called," the report listed. The Nuggets ended up winning the jump ball, but Aaron Gordon would be blocked by Shaedon Sharpe, leading to the Trail Blazers getting possession and Jerami Grant earning the game-winning free throws.
While Denver fans likely weren't happy with the call, at least the Last Two-Minute Report revealed the call was correct, and there's no wondering on what could've happened had the jump ball been the wrong ruling.
Denver's Season So Far
The Denver Nuggets entered the 2025-26 season as strong contenders to win the NBA championship, but through five games this season, the verdict is still out on a lot of their players. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic have been stellar to begin the season, with Murray leading the team with 26.0 points per game and Jokic averaging a triple-double.
Aaron Gordon isn't far behind with a 19.8 points per game average, but it's inflated by his 50-point performance against the Warriors in the season opener.
If the Nuggets truly want to reach the top of the NBA again, blowing games like those to the Trail Blazers isn't going to help them. Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson both have a lot to turn around with rough starts to the season, but a matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Monday is the ideal opportunity to get right.
Tip-off at Ball Arena is set for 9:00 p.m. EST on Monday.