NBA Admits Missed Foul on Luka Doncic in Lakers’ Game 4 Loss to Timberwolves
In a dramatic twist that has left fans buzzing, the NBA has acknowledged a crucial missed call in the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 4 playoff clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The league confirmed on Monday that referees failed to call a foul on Luka Doncic with just 33 seconds remaining in the game, a decision that could have altered the outcome of the match.
The Lakers were trailing 114-113 when Doncic was tripped by Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels near midcourt. Despite the apparent foul, Doncic managed to maintain possession and the Lakers quickly called a timeout to avoid an eight-second violation. This incident was one of two significant uncalled fouls in one-point playoff games on Sunday, the other involving New York’s Josh Hart fouling Detroit’s Tim Hardaway Jr. on a last-second 3-point attempt. The Knicks narrowly escaped with a 94-93 victory, and the NBA later confirmed that Hardaway was indeed fouled.
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report, which reviews officiating in the final moments of close games, stated, “McDaniels (MIN) steps forward into Doncic’s (LAL) path, initiating illegal foot contact that causes him to lose his balance.” Doncic himself was more straightforward, saying, “I got tripped, for sure.”
Had the foul been called, Doncic would have had the opportunity to tie the game or even give the Lakers the lead from the free-throw line. Instead, the Timberwolves capitalized on the situation, with Anthony Edwards making two crucial free throws after stealing LeBron James’ inbounds pass, extending Minnesota’s lead to 116-113 with just 10.9 seconds left on the clock.
LeBron James also expressed frustration over another play, claiming he hit Edwards on the hand, which he believed should have resulted in a turnover. However, the NBA reviewed the play in real time and ruled that James hit Edwards on the wrist, deeming it a foul. “That play happens all the time,” James remarked post-game. “Hand is part of the ball. That’s what they said. I feel like the hand was a part of that ball.”
The game concluded with Austin Reaves missing a potential game-tying 3-pointer, sealing a three-point victory for the Timberwolves. Both the Knicks and Timberwolves now hold commanding 3-1 series leads following their respective wins on Sunday. The Knicks will face the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of their series on Tuesday, while the Lakers will host the Timberwolves for Game 5 on Wednesday.
- Key Points:
- Luka Doncic was fouled with 33 seconds left, but it went uncalled.
- The Lakers were trailing 114-113 at the time of the incident.
- NBA’s Last Two Minute Report confirmed the missed foul.
- Anthony Edwards’ free throws extended the Timberwolves’ lead.
- Both the Knicks and Timberwolves lead their series 3-1.
As the playoffs continue, the Lakers will need to regroup and focus on overcoming the Timberwolves’ lead. The missed call on Doncic will undoubtedly be a talking point, but the team must look ahead and prepare for the challenges that lie in Game 5.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
