Overview
- On X, the official NBA Referees account said the sequence was not a backcourt violation and urged broadcasters to explain rules accurately.
- The post tagged Alaa Abdelnaby by handle and linked a thread with additional examples supporting the interpretation.
- The play saw Nickeil Alexander-Walker receive an inbounds pass near midcourt and retreat as his momentum carried him into the backcourt, which is permitted under the rulebook.
- Atlanta closed out a 120-117 victory, dropping Philadelphia to 14-11 in a tightly packed Eastern Conference race without Tyrese Maxey or Trae Young available.
- The 76ers are off for four days before facing the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.