Jan. 01--Officials made 19 calls in the final two minutes of regulation and overtime of the Bulls' two-point victory over the Pacers on Wednesday. According to the NBA's officiating report, the crew got 18 right.
The Pacers were correct about the missed one.
Butler (CHI) makes contact with George's (IND) arm during his shot attempt. INC
That's the shorthand from the officiating report released Thursday, which translates to Jimmy Butler fouled Paul George on the Pacers' lob attempt at the overtime buzzer. "INC" means incorrect no-call.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel stormed onto the court to argue and later said he contacted the league office. Proving Vogel doesn't carry sour grapes, he was the one who calmed the fury Nov. 16 when Butler blocked George's shot at the regulation buzzer in another Bulls victory, saying there was no foul.
George told the Indianapolis Star he thought he was fouled.
"I got bodied and I couldn't finish. He didn't touch the ball. There was no block," George said. "I couldn't shoot the layup because he came down on my arm. It sucks, but I've been fighting this battle for a while."
George would have had to sink two free throws to force a second overtime. But the Bulls and Butler, who got credited for the block, caught a break.
"I think I got a good piece of the ball," Butler said.
Rose update: Derrick Rose went to the Advocate Center early Thursday on a day off to receive treatment on his sore right hamstring. Coach Fred Hoiberg revealed late Wednesday that Rose has quietly battled the issue for a few days.
Rose, whose status for Friday's game against the Knicks is questionable, has been riding a stationary bicycle in the players' tunnel to keep loose while not playing.
Lob city: Butler's game-winner came off an alley-oop from Pau Gasol, a play the Bulls have run successfully often this season. Here's why, according to Butler:
"People have to guard Pau. If Pau's open, he's going to shoot it. And not only is he going to shoot it, he's probably going to make it. And he's an incredible passer too."
Layups: Raptors guard Kyle Lowry received a warning for violating the NBA's anti-flopping policy Monday, an obvious infraction on which Bobby Portis drew a phantom offensive foul. A second violation draws a $5,000 fine. Further violations draw steeper fines. ... The Bulls assigned Cristiano Felicio to the Development League, where he was claimed by the Canton Charge, the Cavaliers' affiliate. He remains under contract to the Bulls. ... Gasol on Knicks rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis: "He has surprised a lot of people in a positive way. Very unique player, 7-3 and able to shoot the way he does. Alters a lot of shots with his length. Pretty impressive."
