Out of Bounds - Tough Call

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by wanja

In the last minute of the LA/Orlando game 2, Kobe drove to the basket and the ball was deflected by an Orlando player. An official (McCutchen I think) indicated that the ball hit Kobe's leg before going out of bounds. The replay showed that it clearly did not.

It seems that the official either guessed or just missed it.

He had a poor angle and likely guessed. He was wrong. As you note that is crystal clear from the video replay.
The only thing that could happen on such an OOB play is for a partner to come offer help, but that really isn't possible when an official gesticulates and makes such a demonstrative call. (Think Hightower)
I believe that Monty was working his first ever game in the NBA Finals. He won't be happy when he sees the replay of that decision.

Originally Posted by wanja

Did we see the same play? My look at the replay showed space between ball and Kobe after the deflection. It does go to show that obvious is in the eye of the beholder.

You can ignore what btaylor wrote. His statement is so grossly wrong regarding the facts of this play that it is laughable.