Certain phrases resonate immediately with anyone who`s played basketball: “Ball don`t lie.” “Make it, take it.” “I got next.” These sayings are common on casual courts where there are no referees, but sometimes NBA players refer to them when the situation calls for it.
LeBron James recently expressed his frustration regarding a critical late-game decision during the Los Angeles Lakers` 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon.
In the final seconds of the game, with the Wolves holding a one-point lead, Anthony Edwards drove to the basket. James attempted to strip the ball, causing it to go out of bounds.
Initially, the call on the court gave possession to the Lakers. However, Minnesota`s coach, Chris Finch, challenged the ruling. Following a video review, officials reversed the decision, determining that James committed a foul by making “illegal contact to the wrist” of Edwards. Replays confirmed contact was made with Edwards` left wrist.
Edwards was awarded two free throws and made both, extending the Timberwolves` lead to three. On the Lakers` subsequent possession, Austin Reaves missed a potential game-tying three-pointer, sealing the win for the Wolves and giving them a 3-1 series advantage.
Speaking after the game, James offered his perspective on why he believed the initial call should have stood.
He wasn`t incorrect in his general point. While “hand is part of the ball” is not an official rule in the NBA, referees frequently consider contact made directly to the hand as `incidental,` often resulting in no foul call.
However, as explained by official Josh Tiven, the crucial difference was that the contact was made with Edwards` wrist, not just his hand. While the hand and wrist are close, this distinction is key according to the rulebook. As the article notes, you won`t hear anyone on a pickup court argue that the “wrist is part of the ball”.
The decision was controversial, as often happens with late-game reviews.
Now, James and the Lakers must move past this loss and focus on the upcoming Game 5, which they need to win to avoid elimination and an uncertain offseason.
Jasper Hawthorne