NBA Referees Confirm LaMelo Ball Traveled During Minnesota Debut

The NBA referees' union clarified that LaMelo Ball took four steps after gathering the ball during a second-quarter 3-pointer in Minnesota's 131-106 win.

Minnesota defeated the Miami Heat 131-106 on Wednesday night behind a 21-point performance from LaMelo Ball in his team debut. During the second quarter, Ball converted a 3-pointer that broke a 39-39 tie, though the National Basketball Referees Association later confirmed the play should have been ruled a violation. The association stated via X that Ball gathered the ball with his right foot on the floor, which permitted two steps, but he instead took four steps before shooting.

Lonzo Ball, a seven-year NBA veteran and brother of the Minnesota guard, also identified the missed call on social media during the game. Despite the official clarification, LaMelo Ball maintained in a post-game interview with ESPN that he did not commit a travel. The uncalled violation occurred during a game where the Timberwolves eventually secured a 25-point margin of victory.