MIAMI (AP) — Upon review, Minnesota's LaMelo Ball traveled.
The association that represents NBA referees posted a clip from Wednesday night's game between the Timberwolves and the Miami Heat and clarified — not that it needed much clarification — that Ball indeed 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.”
Even Ball's brother, seven-year NBA player Lonzo Ball, got the call right moments after the play.
“Travel lmaoooo,” Lonzo Ball posted.
"That's a travel." How many steps from LaMelo? 😭 https://t.co/pmuhYg1zQb
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 22, 2026
Told in an interview with ESPN after the game that his brother made the traveling call, LaMelo Ball — who was making his Minnesota debut — still insisted he didn't commit a violation.
“He hatin'. He hatin'," LaMelo Ball said in the televised interview. “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.”
Ball's shouldn't-have-counted shot broke what was a 39-39 tie at the time, but in the end it wasn't like the 3-pointer played a big role in the outcome. LaMelo Ball finished the game with 21 points, and Minnesota won 131-106.
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