During the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers season-opening game, Aaron Gordon made a basketball move on the court that left fans flabbergasted – touching the rim before dunking. It seems as though it should have been called by the referees right after finishing the move. But, is Aaron Gordon’s move considered legal in the NBA or not?
Aaron Gordon grabs the rim before dunking the ball; Is that move legal in the NBA?
During the third quarter of a rematch between Jokic‘s Nuggets and LeBron’s Lakers, a seemingly innocent play took place and shook basketball fans. Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray was running down the court when he saw the high-flying Aaron Gordon in transition as well. Murray lobbed it up for Gordon, which the Slam Dunk contestant easily turned into an emphatic jam. However, a replay video showed that before AG dunked the ball, he grabbed the rim first. Surprisingly, the referees missed it and there were no calls given. On the other hand, LeBron James may have noticed it and started asking the officials but the game continued.
Lakers fans were IRATE that Aaron Gordon got away with hanging on the rim before finishing the alley-oop jam 😡 https://t.co/5f8Cs55v0v pic.twitter.com/iAMpmNXH7G
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 25, 2023
According to the NBA’s rulebook, “A player may not assist himself in an attempt to score by using any part of the rim, net, backboard or basket support to lift, hold or raise himself”. This means that Gordon’s move is basically illegal in the NBA or basketball itself.
It should have been called by the officials and the dunk should have not been counted. Moreover, the ball will be turned over to the opposing team, in this case, the Lakers. In basketball, touching or grabbing the rim or backboard usually results in a technical foul. This rule was made in order to prevent players from showboating and taunting. However, there are some exceptions in his matter especially when a player is protecting himself or his defender from injuries. However, in Gordon’s case, that doesn’t seem to be what translated during the play.
The Nuggets came out with a 119-107 victory against the Lakers and secured their first win of the 2023-2024 season. Aaron Gordon posted 15 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds while Jamal Murray had 21 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds. The two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, played an outstanding game with a 29-point triple-double (29 points, 11 assists, and 13 rebounds). The L.A. Lakers, despite their amazing offseason moves, struggled against the reigning champs. James is the only Laker player to crack more than 20 points. The Lakers have lost to the Nuggets for the 6th straight time already.
