Minnesota’s LaMelo Ball traveled on a 3-pointer in the second quarter of the Timberwolves’ 131-106 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, according to the referees’ union, which posted a clip of the play to clarify that the violation did occur.
“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.”
Ball’s brother, seven-year NBA player Lonzo Ball, also got the call right away.
Ball Disputes the Call
Told in a televised interview after the game that his brother had made the traveling call, LaMelo Ball, who was making his Minnesota debut, still 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.”
The disputed basket broke a 39-39 tie at the time. However, the 3-pointer did not play a major role in the outcome. Ball finished the game with 21 points, and Minnesota secured a 131-106 victory.