In a game that was anticipated to be a thrilling play-in positioning battle for between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, the final minutes turned into a spectacle of confusion and controversy.
The match on Saturday ended in a bizarre fashion, with the Warriors emerging victorious with a score of 128-121. However, the talking point was the chaotic final 1:50, which took an astonishing 22 minutes to complete.
The confusion began with a shot-clock malfunction that led to massive delays. The clock issues were so severe that even the backup unit failed to function properly. This led to a series of disputed calls that left players, coaches, and fans alike in a state of frustration.
One of the most contentious moments involved a nullified 3-pointer by LeBron James. Initially, it appeared that James had brought the Lakers within four points of the Warriors. However, upon review, it was determined that his left foot was out of bounds as he began to shoot, leading to the basket being disallowed.
Steve Kerr details the “bizarre” ending. He said he doesn’t like the rule that allowed referees to go back and disallow the LeBron 3. pic.twitter.com/H5tktcZOXP
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 17, 2024
The shot clock debacle only added to the drama. The Lakers attempted to put the ball in play multiple times, but the officials halted the game each time upon realizing the shot clock wasn’t functioning. This resulted in a nearly 10-minute delay, during which the PA announcer had to count down the shot clock at key intervals.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver faced criticism from fans on social media for the way the situation was handled. The NBA did release a Last Two Minute Report for the game, which was extensive, highlighting the numerous controversial decisions made during those final moments.
The game’s finish has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of the current review system and the technology used in games. While the Warriors walked away with the win, the Lakers and their fans were left with a sense of what could have been, had the game concluded without the bizarre interruptions.
