The NBA officially admitted that missed officiating calls played a decisive role in two dramatic buzzer-beaters this past weekend. Jayson Tatum and Julius Randle each delivered thrilling game-winning shots for their teams, but the league’s Last Two Minute Report later revealed that both players committed traveling violations that went uncalled by the referees.
On Saturday night, Jayson Tatum hit a clutch three-pointer in overtime to lift the Boston Celtics over the Toronto Raptors. However, the NBA’s review disclosed that Tatum moved his pivot foot while setting up his shot with 3.4 seconds left, which should have been called as a travel.
Compounding the controversy, the report also noted that Raptors guard Davion Mitchell fouled Jaylen Brown away from the ball moments before the shot. If called, this would have sent Brown to the free-throw line in a tie game, potentially altering the outcome entirely.
The NBA announced that Jayson Tatum committed a travel on his game-winning shot last night, per @ByTimReynolds
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 17, 2024
The very next evening, Julius Randle drained a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Minnesota Timberwolves a narrow victory over the Phoenix Suns. Yet again, the NBA determined that Randle violated the rules.
According to the report, Randle lifted his pivot foot before starting his dribble, constituting a traveling violation. While fans and Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer players, including Devin Booker, argued that Randle also committed an offensive foul against Josh Okogie to create space, the league ruled that the contact was legal and did not dislodge Okogie from his defensive position.
The NBA announced that Julius Randle committed a travel on his game-winning shot last night, per @GeraldBourguet
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 18, 2024
These back-to-back revelations have sparked heated discussions among fans and analysts about the accuracy of NBA officiating in critical moments. Raptors and Suns supporters, in particular, have expressed their frustration, as the acknowledgment of the errors does nothing to reverse the game results. The transparency offered by the Last Two Minute Report is meant to instill trust in the league’s accountability, but it often leaves the aggrieved teams feeling bitter about missed opportunities.
Calls like these are difficult to make in real-time, given the speed and intensity of NBA action, especially in crunch moments. While human error is an inherent part of sports officiating, these incidents reignite debates about whether technology should play a larger role in reviewing pivotal plays.
Proposals such as expanding instant replay or introducing automated systems for violations like traveling have gained traction, though implementing such measures comes with challenges and potential disruptions to the game’s flow.
Despite the controversy, these missed calls highlight the fine margins that define the NBA’s most exciting moments. For the Celtics and Timberwolves, the victories add to their momentum, while the Raptors and Suns are left wondering what could have been.
As thrilling as the weekend’s buzzer-beaters were, the revelations from the Last Two Minute Report serve as a reminder of how much impact officiating can have on the outcome of games. For now, the NBA’s commitment to transparency is a step in the right direction, but ensuring accuracy in real time remains an ongoing challenge.
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