Golden State Warriors fans are up in arms after a shocking non-call during their recent game against the Dallas Mavericks, where Buddy Hield’s dangerous horse-collar tackle on an opponent went unpunished. Social media platforms, particularly X, are flooded with demands for an NBA investigation, as newly surfaced footage reveals the play was even more reckless than initially thought.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
In the third quarter of the Warriors’ 120-117 loss to the Mavericks, Hield was involved in a play that left fans and analysts stunned. As an opponent broke free toward the basket, Hield lunged, grabbing the player’s jersey from behind in a textbook horse-collar tackle—a move more commonly associated with NFL penalties than NBA hardwood. The force of the pull sent the player crashing to the floor, narrowly avoiding a head-first collision.
Draymond is hardly a sympathetic figure, but if this was Draymond Green it would absolutely have been a flagrant foul. Gotta be more consistency.
— Daniel Thompson (@dr-thompson.bsky.social) 13 May 2025 at 10:21
Slow-motion replays circulating online paint a grim picture. The footage shows Hield’s arm hooking around the player’s neck and shoulder area, yanking him backward with significant force. Analysts argue the play was not only dangerous but also met the criteria for a flagrant foul, which could have resulted in free throws and possession for the opposing team. Yet, the referees, positioned just feet away, deemed it a common foul, leaving Warriors fans seething.
Why Fans Are Calling for Accountability
The NBA’s rulebook is clear: actions that endanger a player’s safety, particularly those involving excessive or unnecessary contact, warrant serious penalties. A horse-collar tackle, especially one executed with the aggression seen in Hield’s play, is precisely the kind of infraction that could lead to a flagrant-1 or even flagrant-2 foul, potentially ejecting the player from the game.
Fans on X have been vocal, with posts like, “How do you miss a horse-collar in plain sight? The NBA needs to suspend those refs!” and “Buddy Hield almost broke someone’s neck, and it’s just a regular foul? Investigate this!” gaining thousands of likes and retweets. The consensus among the Warriors faithful is that the officiating crew failed to protect player safety, and the league must review the incident to prevent future oversights.
The Footage Tells a Darker Story
While the live broadcast initially showed the play from a single angle, fan-shared clips on social media have revealed additional perspectives that make the non-call even more egregious. One angle, captured from the baseline, shows the opponent’s body twisting unnaturally as Hield’s pull disrupts his momentum mid-air. Another clip highlights the moment of impact, where the player’s head whips back, inches from slamming into the court.
These videos have fueled speculation that the referees either missed the severity of the play or deliberately overlooked it. Some fans have even suggested bias, pointing to a string of questionable calls that went against the Warriors throughout the game. Whether it’s incompetence or something more sinister, the footage has turned a controversial moment into a full-blown scandal.
Impact on the Game and Beyond
The non-call didn’t just spark debate—it altered the game’s flow. Instead of a potential flagrant foul that could have given the Warriors a chance to regroup, the Mavericks capitalized on the possession, extending their lead in a tightly contested match. The Warriors’ eventual three-point loss only amplified fans’ frustration, as the missed call loomed large in the final outcome.
Beyond the scoreboard, the incident raises broader questions about officiating consistency in the NBA. If a play as blatant as Hield’s horse-collar tackle can go unpunished, what does that mean for player safety moving forward? Fans and analysts alike are calling for the league to release a statement or conduct a formal review of the officiating crew’s performance.
A Call for Change
As the Warriors prepare for their next game, the controversy surrounding Hield’s unpunished tackle shows no signs of fading. Fans continue to share clips, tag NBA officials, and demand transparency on X, ensuring the incident remains in the spotlight. For many, this isn’t just about one missed call—it’s about holding the league accountable for protecting its players and maintaining the integrity of the game.
The NBA has yet to comment on the incident, but with mounting pressure from fans and media, an investigation may be inevitable. Until then, the footage of Hield’s horse-collar tackle will serve as a stark reminder of what happens when the whistle stays silent.