In the recent game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies, an error in game timing had significant repercussions. More than a minute of extra game time was added to the clock in the third quarter, altering the course of the game. This timing error was confirmed by an NBA spokesperson, Tim Frank, who stated that the clock was inaccurately set at 2:20 instead of 1:14 after a shot clock violation. The mistake went unnoticed by the teams, referees, game clock operator, and stats crew, leading to an unintentional extension of the game.
The Grizzlies’ possession in the third quarter ended with two consecutive air balls and a shot clock violation. Despite the correct call by referee Scott Wall, the shot clock was reset mistakenly, resulting in an invalidated shot by Timmy Allen. Consequently, the game clock was erroneously changed to 2:20, adding an extra 1:06 of playtime. Although the Lakers and Grizzlies tied in this extended period, it impacted the playing time of key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who logged heavy minutes in the game.
Effect on Player Performance
The additional minute of playtime did not directly affect the outcome of the game but had implications for player fatigue and workload. LeBron James, at 39 years old, dismissed concerns about the extended minutes affecting him in the next game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite the heavy workload, Lakers coach Darvin Ham emphasized the importance of pushing players when needed, especially during critical times in the season.
The extended playtime added to the physical toll on both teams, particularly on star players like James and Davis. With the game hanging in the balance, the extra minutes could have led to fatigue and potential injury risks for the athletes. While the competitive nature of the game often demands maximum effort from players, the inadvertent timing error highlighted the challenges of maintaining player health and performance throughout a grueling season.
NBA’s Last Two Minute Report
Following the Lakers-Grizzlies game, the NBA released its Last Two Minute Report, which identified three incorrect calls that favored the Lakers. These errors, including traveling violations by James and missed calls by the officials, raised questions about the accuracy and consistency of referee decisions. Despite the league’s efforts to review and address officiating mistakes, the impact of such errors on game outcomes cannot be ignored.
The timing errors in the Lakers vs. Grizzlies game shed light on the complexities of managing game time and player performance in the NBA. While unintentional mistakes can occur during intense matchups, it is essential to prioritize accuracy and fairness to uphold the integrity of the sport. As teams strive for success in a competitive league, addressing timing errors and their implications is crucial for ensuring a level playing field and protecting the well-being of players.