Refs defend heavily criticized non-call on Beal drive vs. Pistons

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 11: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 11, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE

Brian Sevald / National Basketball Association / Getty

The officials overseeing Monday night's game between the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards made a call that confused fans, leading to plenty of online criticism.

After Bradley Beal made a mad dash to the hoop - appearing to take more than the legal number of steps after gathering his dribble - viewers were perplexed when the Wizards' All-Star didn't draw a whistle:

LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ARE YOU SERIOUS????? pic.twitter.com/8Vjq9Wo1Gn
— Bulletin (@BULLETlN) February 12, 2019

The human element of officiating will lead to calls being missed occasionally. However, the National Basketball Referees Association doubled down on its position this time, asserting that the officials were correct in not calling a traveling violation.

Here's the NBRA's explanation on Tuesday morning:

The offensive player gathers with his right foot on the ground. He then takes two legal steps, before losing control of the ball. After regaining possession, a player is allowed to regain his pivot foot and pass or shoot prior to that foot returning to the ground. This is legal.