Less than a second short of defeat, the moment tormented Doc Rivers. Here was Karl Malone at the line again, one more time, so frustrating an occurrence it was almost laughable.

Rivers would not laugh. He just stared. He looked at referee Ed Malloy, eyes piercing the No. 73 on the official's back. When Malloy turned around, Rivers kept staring.

The Orlando Magic lost 111-108 to Utah on Wednesday night at TD Waterhouse. After an intense second half of foul calls, no calls and -- in Rivers' mind -- wrong walls, Rivers fumed.