NBA Hawk-Eye Technology Changed 2 Huge Calls in Playoffs for the Better

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has taken another step towards increasing accuracy in replay reviews with the implementation of Hawk-Eye tracking technology. The technology, which had already revolutionized soccer and tennis, made its debut in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and it's making a significant impact.

In the first round of the playoffs, Hawk-Eye was used to make two game-changing calls that could have altered the outcome of crucial games. On Saturday, it was used to confirm that Aaron Gordon's buzzer-beating dunk at the end of Game 4 between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers actually went through the net. The technology provided a clear and definitive answer, allowing the Nuggets to tie the series 2-2.

Gordon's dunk is one of the most remarkable buzzer-beaters in NBA history, and it was impossible to tell if it should have counted in real time. However, with the help of Hawk-Eye, officials were able to review the play and make an accurate call. The technology provided a millisecond-by-millisecond analysis of the ball's movement, allowing for a definitive answer.

The second game-changing call was made on Sunday in Game 4 between the Minnesota Wolves and Los Angeles Lakers. With 10 seconds left in the game, Anthony Edwards drove to the basket and was stripped by LeBron James. However, the officials initially called it a turnover, but Hawk-Eye revealed that James had clearly fouled Edwards on the top of the hand. Edwards sank two free throws, giving the Wolves a commanding 3-1 lead over the Lakers.

In both cases, the call on the floor could have been wrong without the help of technology. If these calls go the other way, it's possible that the Clippers would be up 3-1 on the Nuggets, and the Lakers-Wolves series would be tied at 2-2. Instead, the Nuggets-Clippers series is now tied, while the Wolves are in command with a 3-1 lead over LA.

Hawk-Eye's tracking technology is designed to capture player and ball movement in three dimensions in real-time. The use of aerial cameras with vertical shots of plays gives officials a new look at what's happening and helps them make more accurate calls. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way replay reviews are handled, reducing controversy and increasing accuracy.

While some fans may be annoyed by the use of reviews, it's clear that the right call needs to get made in critical situations like these. Hawk-Eye has been a positive addition to the playoffs, and it's swinging games in the right direction. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more accurate calls and reduced controversy in the NBA.

The use of Hawk-Eye is not without its limitations, however. In Game 4 between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons, a controversial final play was reviewed by officials without the aid of the technology. The refs initially ruled that Josh Hart did not foul Tim Hardaway Jr., but later admitted that they were wrong after the game. This incident highlights the importance of Hawk-Eye in ensuring accuracy in replay reviews.

In conclusion, Hawk-Eye has been a game-changer in the NBA playoffs, providing accurate calls and reducing controversy. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting games and closer finishes in the future.