End of Game Throw in

[fletch_irwin_m]

Had this happen in a game I was watching last nite.

End of game situation. Side OOB throw in. Team A forms the "Line across the free throw line" play. Player B1 starts to push his way between two defenders prior to the throw in. The official blows his whistle and tells Team B to allow Player B1 in between them. Team A Coach goes ballistic and comes onto the floor to tell the official that HIS players have a right to that spot if they get there first. The official says that they have to give space to the defensive player if he wants to get through, similar to a free throw situation. The official then starts play with B1 now wedged in between Team A's line.
Who was right? The official or the coach? ( I was sitting with the supervisor for the conference and he asked me the same question. I said the coach was right and the defensive player should NOT be allowed between the offensive players.)