One of the most interesting and hilarious moments of the NBA season so far came from new Minnesota Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball. Ball and the Timberwolves secured a dominant 131-106 win over the Miami Heat to kick off the season, with Anthony Edwards and Ball having stellar games. Much of the conversation is about a move LaMelo Ball made that fans argue was a travel.
During the game, Ball made a sidestep move that led to an open 3-pointer, but he took 4 steps before shooting. Taking 4 steps is a travel under NBA rules, but the referee didn't call it, leading many fans to question why the blatant travel went uncalled.
The NBA referees' account weighed in and put the matter to rest, confirming fans' suspicions while also raising more questions.
“For everyone asking, ‘how is this legal?' It’s not! 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,” the NBA Referee X account posted on Thursday morning.
The blatant no-call notwithstanding, Ball had a stellar start to his tenure with the Timberwolves. He scored 21 points and nabbed 6 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals while hitting 5 three-pointers in only 29 minutes of play. His play was able to help supplement Anthony Edwards, who had a standout night scoring 45 points and nabbing 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block while shooting 9 three-pointers in 33 minutes of action.
The Timberwolves now look to continue their momentum as they face off against the Orlando Magic on Friday.