NBA says Doncic was fouled late in Lakers’ Game 4 loss
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels should’ve been called for a foul on Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic with 35.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves’ 116-113 victory in Game 4 on Sunday, according to the NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report released Monday.
Minnesota had just taken a 114-113 lead, and Doncic dribbled toward half court when McDaniels’ right leg tripped Doncic, who fell to the court. No foul was called, and Doncic called timeout. On the Lakers’ next possession, LeBron James committed a turnover, leading to two made Anthony Edwards free throws.
Doncic and Lakers coach JJ Redick were upset with the no-call, which the NBA labeled an incorrect no-call in its Last Two-Minute Report. Doncic should’ve been awarded two free throws, giving the Lakers a chance to tie or take the lead.
“I got tripped for sure,’ Doncic told reporters.
The league’s Last Two-Minute Report also confirmed that referees were correct in calling a foul on James during a Minnesota challenge, saying James made “illegal contact to Edwards’ left wrist.’ Instead of the Lakers gaining possession, Edwards made two free throws with 10.7 seconds remaining.
The Timberwolves took a 3-1 lead and can win the series in Game 5 on Wednesday in Los Angeles (10 p.m. ET, TNT).
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