[Saba Sports News] Tuesday’s NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinal between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns ended amidst controversy, with a questionable timeout call favoring the Lakers. The game, which took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, saw the Lakers narrowly defeating the Suns 106-103, advancing them to the semifinals.
With less than 20 seconds on the clock, the Lakers were ahead 105-101. Suns’ Kevin Durant then made a reverse layup, bringing the deficit down to two points. In the tense moments that followed, LeBron James passed to Austin Reaves, who was quickly pressured by the Suns’ defense. Reaves lost control of the ball near the Lakers’ basket, but before the Suns could seize the opportunity to equalize, the Lakers were controversially granted a timeout.
James managed to signal for a timeout to referee Tom Washington as Reaves was losing the ball. Replay reviews suggested that Reaves had already lost possession by the time James called for the timeout, a crucial detail since timeouts are not allowed without ball possession.
Following this call, the Lakers retained possession, and the Suns were forced to foul. Anthony Davis scored one free throw, increasing the Lakers’ lead to 106-103. Suns coach Frank Vogel received an unsatisfactory explanation from the referees regarding the call.
Durant attempted a game-tying three-pointer but missed, preventing the game from going into overtime. The Lakers now progress to the semifinals in Las Vegas, where they will face the New Orleans Pelicans for a place in the finals.