LaMelo Ball's egregious travel call ignites controversy in Timberwolves debut
Announcers, referees, and even his own family questioned a four-step violation that went uncalled during Minnesota's victory over the Heat.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball faced scrutiny following a controversial uncalled four-step travel violation during his debut with the team. The incident occurred in the second quarter of the Timberwolves' 131-106 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday, prompting reactions from the ESPN commentary team, NBA referees, and even Ball's own brother.
During the game, as Ball hit a three-pointer to give the Timberwolves a 42-39 lead, announcers Steve Legler and Mike Breen simultaneously called out the play. "That's a travel," they stated, expressing disbelief that the violation was not whistled by official Jonathan Sterling, who was in close proximity to the play.
Ball, who finished his debut with 21 points and six assists, offered a unique defense of his actions in a postgame interview. "If you watch I let the ball guide, you feel me? So if I let the ball guide and I ain’t touching it, you can take as much steps as you want. So it’s not traveling," Ball explained. "If you watch I let the ball guide, you feel me? So if I let the ball guide and I ain’t touching it, you can take as much steps as you want. So it’s not traveling."
His explanation did little to quell the debate, as his brother, Lonzo Ball, reposted the play on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption "Travel lmaoooo." LaMelo responded to his brother's comment during an appearance on "SportsCenter," playfully dismissing his criticism. "He hatin'. He hatin'. See, I gotta give him a call right now, ’cause with the family, he know what you supposed to do," LaMelo said. "Even if I’m wrong, I’m right. That’s how it go, I gotta teach that boy."
The official NBA Referees X account, managed by the NBA Referee Association, later confirmed that the play was indeed a travel. "For everyone asking, 'How is this legal?' It’s not," the account posted. "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."
Despite the controversy surrounding the uncalled violation, the Timberwolves secured a decisive victory. The team is scheduled to face the Orlando Magic on Friday.