Refs make all 10 players go the wrong way, a breakdown

The preseason NBA matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers is in the final minutes, with the score close. Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell puts up a shot, and the Indiana Pacers secure the rebound. Pacers guard Deandre Bembry prepares to inbound the ball, but the referees suddenly call a timeout. After the timeout, the referees instruct both teams to completely substitute their players, putting in an entirely new lineup on the floor. The referees then hand the ball to Bembry to inbound it. However, as Bembry prepares to pass the ball in, Mavericks forward Jalen Brunson notices that all 10 players on the court are facing the wrong direction. "Uh, hey, what are you doing?" Brunson calls out, realizing the officials have made a mistake. Bembry inbounds the ball, and the players start running the wrong way down the court. Mavericks veteran forward JaVale McGee quickly recognizes the error, yelling "Oh, here we go! Fast break, I'm open, I'm open, give me the ball!" McGee is wide open as his teammates realize the mix-up and start heading the correct way. The Pacers manage to regain possession, but the referees then call a backcourt violation, returning the ball to the Mavericks. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd turns to the officials, protesting, "That's your mess-up, no, you gave him the ball. Hey, ref, hey, that's your guys' mess-up. You gave us the ball, backcourt." The referees confer and ultimately award the ball to the Pacers, much to the Mavericks' frustration. The unusual sequence leaves both teams and the crowd confused, with players and coaches laughing at the officials' mistake. It's a rare and bizarre moment in preseason NBA action, with all 10 players on the court momentarily going the wrong way due to the referees' mix-up. The game continues with the Pacers retaining possession, as the teams try to refocus after the unusual sequence of events.