Image Source: NBA.com
[Saba Sports News] The NBA has admitted to its second error on a game-winning shot in as many days.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to secure a 120-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. Randle created space against Suns defender Josh Okogie, sinking an open shot while Phoenix players argued for an offensive foul.
However, in Monday’s last two-minute report, the NBA revealed a different error on the play.
While the league confirmed there was no illegal contact by Randle on Okogie, they acknowledged that Randle should have been called for traveling. According to the report, Randle lifted his pivot foot before starting his dribble after receiving the inbound pass from Joe Ingles.
This violation should have given possession back to the Suns with just over two seconds remaining, potentially forcing overtime instead of a Timberwolves victory.
This mistake mirrors another from the previous day when Jayson Tatum’s game-winning three for the Boston Celtics against the Toronto Raptors was also later ruled as a missed traveling call. Both incidents have sparked further scrutiny of late-game officiating.