Chauncey Billups reacts to uncalled timeout, referee decisions vs. OKC / News - Basketnews.com

Chauncey Billups feels frustrated after the controversial Thunder-Blazers game ending: "I was proud of my team, and they didn't deserve the game to end like that."

Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix

Portland Trail Blazers suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, with a series of unfortunate events in the final moments.

Player of the Game EFF 30 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points 33 Accuracy 10-24 Rebounds 6 Assists 10

A crucial turnover by Malcolm Brogdon, coupled with two technical fouls on head coach Chauncey Billups, turned a one-point lead into a 111-109 defeat in just 16 seconds.

Despite Billups attempting to call a timeout, officials did not grant it, leading to Brogdon's double-dribble, Billups' ejection, the Thunder tying the game on a technical free throw, and Blazers ultimately losing on a game-winning shot by Jalen Williams with two seconds remaining.

Post-game, Billups expressed frustration about not being given the timeout.

"It's a tough situation," he said. "I mean, we've got timeouts. Referees usually are prepared for that, that instance, that situation. I'm at half-court, trying to call a timeout. It's a frustrating play. My guys play too hard for that.

"My guys played amazing," Billups went on to say. "They took the challenge. Came in here, saying all day that we need to demand some respect, based on the way that we've played against this team. They [OKC] blew us out [by] 62 a week and a half ago, and we said, 'Listen, you gonna roll or you gonna get rolled on. That's how this game works.' And our guys, they rolled today.

"They played really good, they shared the ball. Defensively, I thought we did a really good job today. We made them earn everything. And I was proud of my team, and they didn't deserve the game to end like that. And I feel bad for putting them in that position. But also, I gotta stand up for my guys. It is what it is, and I'll do it every day of the week."

Lastly, Billups reiterated the frustration among the team.

"We are frustrated," he noted. "Malcolm [Brogdon] feels just as frustrated. He was trying to call a timeout as well. What else would you be trying to do in that situation? It's a bang-bang, easy, simple play. A coach at half-court, out of my box, calling it... I'm done talking about it."

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