NBA's L2M Report says officials missed crucial call in Nuggets' loss

In the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report released Thursday afternoon, the league says that officials missed a crucial call with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation in the Nuggets’ 128-125 overtime loss Wednesday night.

The play in question occurred with 17.6 seconds remaining in regulation. The Timberwolves inbounded the ball to Jimmy Butler who was trapped near halfcourt by Will Barton and Gary Harris. A jump-ball is called a few moments later but Butler’s foot clearly steps on the halfcourt line before the referee’s whistle.

The league says a backcourt violation should have been called. Denver would have had possession of the ball while trailing by one with 17.6 seconds remaining.

“Butler’s (MIN) right foot steps over the backcourt line,” the league said.

Minnesota won the ensuing jump-ball and Taj Gibson would split a pair of free-throws on the Timberwolves’ next possession. Will Barton sunk two free-throws a few moments later to send the game to overtime after getting fouled on a drive to the basket — a call the L2M Report also says was incorrect. Andrew Wiggins should not have been whistled for this foul.

Butler scored 12 of Minnesota’s 14 points in the overtime period as the Timberwolves won 128-125.