Two steps too many: Refs confirm LaMelo traveled en route to 3-point make — SkimNews
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- NBA referees' union posted a breakdown confirming LaMelo Ball took four steps after gathering the ball, violating the two-step rule, and stated definitively, 'It's not!' legal.
- LaMelo Ball made a 3-pointer in his Minnesota debut that broke a 39-39 tie, despite taking four steps after gathering the ball with his right foot on the floor.
- Lonzo Ball immediately reacted on social media with 'Travel lmaoooo,' correctly identifying the violation before officials acknowledged it.
- LaMelo Ball insisted in a postgame interview that he did not travel, dismissing his brother’s call by saying, 'He hatin'. He hatin',' and asserting 'Even if I'm wrong, I'm right.'
- Minnesota Timberwolves won the game 131-106 over the Miami Heat, minimizing the impact of the incorrectly allowed basket on the final result.
- LaMelo Ball finished with 21 points in his debut, with the traveling play becoming a viral moment rather than a decisive factor.
Why it matters: The NBA referees’ rare public correction highlights a visible enforcement gap in real-time officiating, where a clear violation went uncalled despite being obvious to players and fans—undermining game integrity even when the outcome isn’t altered. The league’s failure to catch it live risks eroding trust in consistent rule application.
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