MIAMI — Upon review, Minnesota’s LaMelo Ball traveled.
The union representing NBA referees posted a clip from Wednesday night’s game between the Timberwolves and the Miami Heat, confirming that Ball did commit a violation on his way to a 3-pointer in the second quarter of Minnesota’s win.
“For everyone asking, ‘how is this legal?’ It’s not!” the referees’ union wrote in a post on X. “He gathers with his right foot on the floor and would be permitted two steps by rule (left-right). He takes four steps after gathering the ball and travels.”
Brother made the call
Ball’s brother, seven-year NBA veteran Lonzo Ball, made the traveling call right after the play.
When asked in a televised interview after the game about his brother’s call, LaMelo Ball, who was making his Minnesota debut, insisted he did not commit a violation.
“He hatin’. He hatin’,” LaMelo Ball said. “See, I gotta give him a call right now, cause with the family, he knows what you’re supposed to do. Even if I’m wrong, I’m right. That’s how it goes.”
Shot didn’t decide the game
The disputed 3-pointer broke a 39-39 tie, but it did not play a major role in the outcome. LaMelo Ball finished with 21 points, and Minnesota won 131-106.