Game 4 of the first-round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday was tightly contested in the fourth quarter. Minnesota secured a 116-113 victory, though the result was possibly influenced by two contentious officiating decisions.
The first incident occurred with 35 seconds remaining and Minnesota ahead 114-113. Luka Dončić of the Lakers was dribbling upcourt, aiming to potentially put his team in front, when he tripped over the foot of Jaden McDaniels, a Timberwolves defender, forcing a timeout.
Following the timeout, LeBron James committed a turnover on the inbounds pass, which led to crucial free throws for Anthony Edwards of Minnesota. Post-game, Lakers coach JJ Redick strongly asserted that a foul should have been called on the play where Dončić fell.
“Luka was tripped. It was a clear trip; he didn`t fall unassisted. We reviewed the footage, and he was tripped. Consequently, we should have been granted free throws,” Redick commented to reporters.
The NBA`s official Last Two Minutes Report, released Monday, supported Redick`s claim, confirming that McDaniels fouled Dončić. The report stated, “McDaniels (MIN) steps forward into Doncic`s (LAL) path, initiating illegal foot contact that causes him to lose his balance.” Thus, with 35.5 seconds left and the Lakers in the bonus, Dončić should have been awarded free throws. Instead, the Lakers had to inbound the ball from near halfcourt, resulting in James`s pass being intercepted by McDaniels.
The subsequent play after the steal also involved controversy. With 10.1 seconds left, James tried to steal the ball from Edwards as he drove to the basket. The ball went out of bounds, and possession was initially given to the Lakers. However, after a review, officials called a foul on James, sending Edwards to the free-throw line. Edwards made both shots, giving the Wolves a three-point lead. The Lakers` final attempt at a game-tying three-pointer was unsuccessful, securing Minnesota`s 3-1 series advantage.
Following the game, James maintained that his attempt to steal the ball was clean.
James commented, “That type of play is common. They say the hand is part of the ball. I believed I hit the hand while it was on the ball, causing it to be stripped away from him. I`ve seen that situation frequently, but you accept the outcome.”
However, replay footage indicated that James contacted Edwards` wrist, not just his hand, which is considered an illegal play. The NBA`s report supported this view.
The report stated, “The coach`s challenge regarding the out of bounds call was successful. James (LAL) committed illegal contact on Edwards` (MIN) left wrist and the foul is proximate to the ball going out of bounds. Play continued with Edwards getting two free throws.”
While controversial calls are common in tightly contested playoff games, the Lakers ultimately squandered a 12-point fourth-quarter lead. Although the game`s outcome might have changed if Dončić had received the free throws he was due according to the rules, the Lakers had ample opportunity throughout the final quarter to secure the win but failed to do so.
The team now heads back home for Game 5, facing elimination from the series.
Jasper Hawthorne