The NBA is one of the fastest online sportsbook leagues in the world. Due to the pace of the game, referees are bound to make mistakes. This past year, there were a number of more controversial calls then before, due in large part to exhaustion. Essentially, going non-stop for four months instead of seven, referees were more susceptible to making errors. This had us wondering, if any referees had been subject to terrible calls before. Today we’ll look at the worst officiating gaffs in NBA history.

Game 7 Miami Heat v Detroit Pistons 2005 Eastern Conference Finals – The Miami Heat led by Shaq and Wade were considered heavy favorites to win their first of potentially multiple NBA Titles during a run in 2005. Standing in the Heat way was the Detroit Pistons, who were led by Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups. During game seven, Miami was attempting a last minute come back, when referee Joey Crawford would change the outlook of the game. With Detroit up 82 – 79 and Miami a three pointer away from tying the game, Crawford inadvertently body checked Heat forward Damon Jones. Then, Crawford would call Jones on a foul against Chauncey Billups despite Jones being on the ground after his collision with Crawford. As a result, sports betting online enthusiasts saw Detroit come away with the victory and trip to the NBA Finals.

Game 7 Miami Heat v Dallas Mavericks 2006 NBA Finals – A year after being punished by a phantom call in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Miami Heat found themselves on the good side of a bad call while playing Dallas in the 2006 NBA Finals. After storming back from being down two games to nothing, the Miami Heat clawed their way to a seventh and deciding game. Unfortunately for them and Dallas, the referees decided the game instead. After hitting a game tying shot, Dirk Nowitzki was subsequently fouled by Dwayne Wade. While everyone else clearly saw Wade commit the foul, it was Nowitzki that was given the foul. For this reason, Wade was able to hit the game winning free throws and help guide Miami to their first online bookie NBA title.