NBA refs to tweet with fans during games
Fans will soon get a chance to voice their opinions and make inquiries about missed fouls and questionable calls with off-duty NBA referees in real time.
Starting with Monday's matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, fans can tweet @OfficialNBARefs or use the hashtag #RefWatchParty to get responses from refs who are watching the game, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
The referees responding to tweets will have access to the NBA's replay center and its numerous camera angles, Windhorst adds.
The @OfficialNBARefs #RefWatchParty is returning next week, live from the NBA Replay Center - offering live commentary and real-time officiating insights. Get your questions answered during NBA games on @NBAonTNT and @ESPNNBA using #RefWatchParty. More details to come: pic.twitter.com/uXLS5hgMlA
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) January 17, 2019
Fans will be able to interact with officials for select games throughout the rest of the season, including a Jan. 23 clash between the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers and some playoff games.
The National Basketball Referees Association experimented with the concept last season during the NBA Finals and had positive feedback.