The refs also appeared to miss another foul call on the same play in the late-game sequence

FANS weren’t pleased with the officiating during a late-game sequence in the Boston Celtics’ 105-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Celtics star Derrick White made a big-time, but also controversial defensive block late in the fourth quarter which pretty much paved the way to a Boston victory.

The Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks 105-98 but the game didn’t come without controversyCredit: Getty

Celtics star Derrick White denied Mavericks’ P.J. Washington at the rim late in the fourth quarter, but replays showed that a foul could’ve been called on the blockCredit: NBC Sports

Jrue Holiday scored a team-high 26 points in the victory as the Celtics have a 2-0 series lead over the MavsCredit: NBC Sports
With the Celtics up five and 50 seconds left to go, Mavericks big man P.J. Washington caught a pass from teammate Kyrie Irving on the fast break.

Washington leaped for a dunk and White blocked him at the rim.

However, the ESPN replays showed that White made contact with Washington’s hand on the block which means that a foul could’ve been called.

The replay also saw Brown appear to push Washington from behind during the play.

ESPN color commentator JJ Redick said that White should’ve been called for a foul.

And play-by-play broadcaster Mike Breen also admitted after the game was over that the refs did miss the foul.

The Celtics would win by seven points and took Game 2 for a 2-0 series lead.

Furious fans quickly posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain about the non-call.

“White slapped him across the hand. These refs rigged,” one wrote.

“Foul on PJ Washington the NBA is RIGGED,” another said.

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“Series rigged for Celtics double foul on white and brown no call,” a third commented.

“These refs are terrible,” a fourth added.

White ended the contest with 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Jrue Holiday led the way for the Celtics, posting 26 points and 11 rebounds.

Boston won despite Jayson Tatum having a rough shooting night with 18 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds.

NBA Finals schedule

Thur 6 June – Game 1, 8.30pm ET – Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

Sun 9 June – Game 2, 8pm ET – Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

Wed 12 June – Game 3, 8.30pm ET – Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks

Fri 14 June – Game 4, 8.30pm ET – Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks

Mon 17 June – Game 5, 8.30pm ET – Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

Thur 20 June – Game 6, 8.30pm ET – Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks

Sun 23 June – Game 7, 8pm ET – Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic recorded 32 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists – making it the first NBA Finals triple-double in Dallas franchise history.

He entered the game with a questionable designation before the opening tipoff.

Doncic did, however, score just three points in the fourth quarter.

Irving once again struggled against his former team, tallying 16 points.

Games 3 and 4 will be on Wednesday and Friday in Dallas.

The Celtics are 6-0 on the road this postseason.

They have won eight games in a row and are two games away from winning the NBA Finals.