The crew chief for tonight’s Suns vs. Lakers game, Josh Tiven, affirmed that the officials made the right call on the game-deciding, controversial timeout with seven seconds left.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Kevin Durant had just cut the deficit to two on a nice layup. Both Booker and Durant had five fouls, and they did not a good job of trapping not fouling Austin Reaves on the ensuing Lakers’ inbound. Reaves coughed up the ball, but LeBron James appeared to be granted a timeout while it was loose. The Suns ended up losing 106-103.
The ball was DEFINITELY loose. I don't see how the referees grant a timeout here. pic.twitter.com/ZlaxGXpCx6
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 6, 2023
Here is what Tiven told the game’s pool reporter: “During live play the official felt that LA still had possession of the ball when LeBron James requested the timeout. Through postgame video review in slow motion replay, we did see that Austin Reaves had his left hand on the ball while it’s pinned against his left leg, which does constitute control.”
Tonight’s #Suns vs. #Lakers crew chief Josh Tiven affirms that the officials made the right call on the timeout with seven seconds left, as “Austin Reaves had his left hand on the ball while it’s pinned against his left leg, which does constitute control.” pic.twitter.com/Gcq0wvTaAp
— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) December 6, 2023
Even though other NBA players and fans of other teams are very confused why LA was awarded a timeout, the officials are doubling down on their call.
After the game, Devin Booker said he did not receive an explanation on the call, while coach Frank Vogel said he did, but it was “not a good one.”
The Suns are now eliminated from the NBA In-Season Tournament and will next play the Kings at home at 7 p.m. MST on Friday.
Devin Booker speaks on controversial ending to Suns vs. Lakers
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
