Billups' late 3-pointer could lead to NBA rule change

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

NEW YORK (AFP) — A controversial 3-point shot by Chauncey Billups at the end of the third quarter in Detroit's 100-93 victory over Orlando on Tuesday could spark a National Basketball Association rule change.

Joel Litvin, the NBA's president of basketball operations, said Tuesday that referees followed proper procedures in making a decision to award the basket following a technical malfunction that rendered the game clock inoperative.

The shot counted and the Pistons went on to seize a two games to none lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference second-round playoff series with the Magic.

Litvin said a video review of the final seconds of the third quarter showed the final play took 5.7 seconds, but there were only 5.1 seconds remaining in the period....