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Celtics aided by wrong call in last-second win over Cavs, league admits

Justin Ford / USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics were the beneficiaries of a wrong call by the officiating crew late in their unlikely come-from-behind win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The league's Last Two Minute Report for Friday's games determined that a shooting foul shouldn't have been called on Cavaliers swingman J.R. Smith on Evan Turner's drive to the hoop with 4.9 seconds remaining.

Smith made "incidental contact" with Turner on the play, according to the report.

Instead, the improperly awarded free-throw attempt created another Celtics possession when Turner's missed freebie bounced out of bounds off LeBron James. The Celtics, down two at that point, regained possession which allowed Avery Bradley to nail a game-winning three for the win.

NBA Recap Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers | February 5, 2016 | Highlights

Granted, the Cavaliers aren't blameless in the matter. They missed 14 free throws in the game and squandered a five-point lead with 18 seconds remaining.

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