Lillard is one of the NBA's biggest stars and is averaging 29.8 points per game right now which is third best in the entire league.

Tonight, he had brilliantly gone against Utah with 42 points, six assists and six rebounds - but still left the pitch furious.

With only twelve seconds left, he pushed against the basket for a layup that had acknowledged the match to 116-116. The ball had rubbed the board and was heading into the basket when opponent Rudy Gobert knocked the ball into the air.

"It's bullshit"

According to the rulebook, the score should have been counted, but the referee allowed the game to continue and Utah eventually won by 117-114.

- Three referees out there and yet they miss such a simple verdict and it cost us this damn match, says Lillard who was furious afterwards and had to be held back.

- They want us to leave without saying anything? Man, that's bullshit. Of course we react. We are chasing an endgame and the miss cost us important points.

Admitted the miss afterwards

Referee Josh Tiven acknowledged to the assembled press that the referees had made a mistake.

- We have looked at the situation afterwards and unfortunately the judges missed it. It should have been classed as "goaltending," says Tiven.

Utah coach Mike Conley called the decision "tough" for Portland.

- It is sad that the match ends that way, but we take every win we can get.