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[Saba Sports News] The NBA is brushing off the controversy surrounding the ending of Friday night’s Miami Heat-Minnesota Timberwolves game, effectively saying, “Nothing to see here.”
Minnesota edged out Miami with a 106-104 victory, but the game’s final possession stirred debate. With time expiring, Bam Adebayo attempted a three-pointer from the left wing but missed.
Replays appeared to show Timberwolves forward Julius Randle making contact with an airborne Adebayo, potentially throwing him off balance.
Despite the uproar, the NBA released its Last Two-Minute Report on Saturday, backing the officials’ decision.
According to the league, Randle’s contact was deemed “marginal,” and his post-release hand contact was a legal “high-five.” The report also noted that Adebayo initiated the body contact upon his descent. The clarification came via Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
With the win, Minnesota improved to 36-29, while Miami slipped to 29-33. Both teams remain locked in a battle to avoid the play-in tournament, currently sitting at No. 7 in their respective conferences.
To the NBA’s credit, the league has admitted to officiating blunders in several crucial moments this season. However, Friday’s contentious ending in Miami apparently didn’t make that list.