NBA Fans Stunned By Mavericks' Controversial Challenge in Game 1 vs. Timberwolves

Ever since challenges were introduced a few years ago in the NBA, it's become incredibly evident how valuable they are, and in particular, how crucial it can be to have a challenge in the closing moments of a game.

Quite literally, a challenge can be the difference between a win and loss, especially in the playoffs.

So when Dallas Mavericks' head coach Jason Kidd decided to use his challenge midway through the third quarter on an out-of-bounds call that had very little impact on the game, it turned some heads. In fact, the out-of-bounds call didn't even go against Dallas, but was instead ruled a jump ball.

Still, the Mavericks challenged the call, and won it, gaining possession.

However, you can argue how much they really won, given the fact that they don't have a challenge going into the fourth quarter.

In the middle of a tightly-contested game in the Western Conference Finals where the winner of Game 1 goes on to win the series more often than not, taking a risk like this in the second half is certainly a decision.

We'll see how it works out for them.