During Friday night’s double-overtime thriller between the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks, the NBA’s Replay Center utilized its advanced NBACourt iQ system to overturn a critical goaltending call, changing the trajectory of the game and showcasing the league’s evolving use of technology.
With the score tied late in the first overtime, Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. drove to the rim and released a high-arcing layup. Mavericks center Dereck Lively II met the ball at the glass and swatted it away. Officials on the floor initially ruled the play a defensive goaltend, awarding two points to the Clippers.
But after a challenge and subsequent review, the NBA’s Replay Center in Secaucus, NJ initiated a deeper analysis using NBACourt iQ, the league’s proprietary video intelligence platform.
During OT of tonight’s #LACatDAL game, Replay Center officials utilized @NBA Court iQ to overturn the initial ruling of defensive goaltending by DAL to a good block as contact occurred when the ball was still on its upward flight to the basket. pic.twitter.com/UaQCw706bE
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) November 15, 2025
The system confirmed that contact occurred while the ball was still on its upward flight, meaning the block was legal and the basket should not count.
“NBACourt iQ gave us the clarity we needed,” said crew chief Zach Zarba. “The ball had not reached its apex, and the contact was clean. It was the right call.”
NBACourt iQ is the league’s next-generation replay and analytics engine, combining high-speed camera feeds, ball trajectory modeling, and AI-assisted decision support. It allows officials to track ball flight in real time, analyze player positioning and timing, and determine legality of contact with millisecond precision
The system has been quietly integrated into replay operations over the past two seasons, but Friday’s reversal marked one of its most visible and consequential uses to date.
The overturned call kept the game tied and gave Dallas possession, ultimately sending the contest into a second overtime. While the Clippers eventually prevailed 133–127, the moment underscored how technology can decisively influence outcomes in high-stakes situations.
The Clippers improved to 4–8 overall and 2–0 in NBA Cup West Group B, while the Mavericks fell to 3–10, still winless in Cup play.
