[theboys]

I don't have a rule book with me, so don't know, but do the officials have any discretion in this case? From what the article says, the fans were quickly ushered off the court. Could the officials have allowed play to just continue at that point?

I think its true that officials don't affect the outcome of games, just like a made or missed shot by a player at the conclusion of a game doesn't win or lose the game for his team. But, critical plays - and calls - at critical times, can appear to have a disproportionate impact.

While the coach shouldn't blame the officials for costing him the game, the officials need to take responsibility for making calls like this one. IF the rules allow this to be a judgment call, I think this falls under the category of poor game management.