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'How the hell': Fans up in arms after ludicrous NBA no-call

Devin Booker was not called for the foul on this play on Jrue Holiday, which came at a crucial moment late in game four of the NBA Finals.

The NBA officiating crew for game four of the NBA Finals has been heavily criticised after missing blatantly obvious foul on Phoenix star Devin Booker which should have seen him disqualified.

Booker had five fouls when he attempted to wrap up Bucks counterpart Jrue Holiday on a fast break, clearly wrapping his arms around his opponent - but the whistle stayed silent.

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While the missed call ultimately had little impact on the final result, with the Bucks scoring on the play after the ball bounced to Giannis Antetokounmpo for a layup, fans were nonetheless concerned referees could miss such an obvious and potentially important foul.

The referees owned up to the mistake after the game when asked for an explanation by reporters.

Crew chief James Capers said he thought a clean play had been made on the ball, but said on review it was clear a foul should have been called.

"During live play, I saw a clean sweep of the ball and thought it was a no call," he said.

"However, after seeing the replay, I now realise that I missed Booker's right arm around the waist of Holiday, and it should have been a defensive foul on the play."

The explanation did little to allay the concerns of fans on social media, who remained perplexed as to how a mistake of that magnitude could come at such a crucial time.

Bucks level NBA Finals series thanks to Khris Middleton masterclass

Khris Middleton's big finish means these NBA Finals are just getting started.

Middleton scored 40 points, including 10 straight for the Milwaukee Bucks down the stretch to help them beat the Phoenix Suns 109-103 in Milwaukee on Wednesday night to tie the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

Middleton's hot hand and a big block from Giannis Antetokounmpo gave the Bucks their second straight victory in the first close game of the series.

Antetokounmpo had 26 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. His streak of 40-point games ended at two but the only number that matters for the Bucks is on the series scoreboard.

Devin Booker scored 42 points for the Suns, but his foul trouble cost them a chance to build a big lead in the second half. Fellow backcourt star Chris Paul struggled through a 5-for-13 night, finishing with 10 points and five turnovers.

Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo steered the Milwaukee Bucks to a cricual game four win over Phoenix. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images).
Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo steered the Milwaukee Bucks to a cricual game four win over Phoenix. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images). (NBAE via Getty Images)

"We wanted this bad and the team showed it tonight," Antetokounmpo said.

Game 5 is Saturday night in Phoenix.

"This is a tough one but we've got to bounce back," Paul said. "That's why we fought all season to get home court."

Middleton is an All-Star with unwavering confidence in his shot, always believing that matter how poorly he starts that he can turn things around.

He may have turned around the course of these NBA Finals.

"We know he's going to take big shots, we know he's going to make big shots and tonight he was incredible," Antetokounmpo said.

With AAP

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