The NBA released on Tuesday its Last Two Minute (L2M) reports for Monday’s close games—including that of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 120-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Said thriller ended with Julius Randle making a buzzer-beating triple from straightaway to give the Wolves the win and send the Suns to their fifth loss of the season.
However, according to the L2M report of that game, Randle committed a traveling violation to wiggle free from the Suns’ Josh Okogie for his dramatic game-winner. Meaning, that the buzzer beater should not have counted.
“Randle (MIN) lifts his pivot foot prior to releasing his dribble,” the report noted. “Randle (MIN) places his off-arm against Okogie (PHX) and releases from contact as he steps back into his shot attempt. Okogie is not dislodged from his defensive position as a result of illegal contact from Randle.”
Randle Doesn’t Care About the L2M Report
On Wednesday, Randle told a Wolves beat reporter what every other NBA player probably thinks of the NBA’s L2M reports, which the league makes for games in which the score is within three points entering the last two minutes.
“Too late. Should have called it then,” said Randle.
The Wolves big man has a point. These after-the-fact assessments mean nothing. They cannot reverse a missed call. Neither can they affect the outcome of the game anymore. Essentially, they are just embarrassing admissions that the refs messed up with the game on the line.
“I honestly didn’t even know. . . I don’t care, it’s over with now. Can’t go back and get it. I found it funny,” he added, grinning.
Randle is averaging 21.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists for the Wolves, who next take on the Toronto Raptors on Friday at Scotiabank Arena.
