(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns have a bittersweet taste in their mouths right now.
They were one missed call away from having a chance to beat the Los Angeles Lakers and punch their tickets to the In-Season Tournament’s semifinals.
LeBron James inbounded the ball to Austin Reaves, who clearly lost possession of the basketball when doubled-teamed by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
James called for a timeout and was granted one despite the fact that Reaves wasn’t in possession of the basketball.
That happened with just 11 seconds left, and the Lakers up two points, so the Suns would’ve gotten a chance to either tie the game or take the lead.
That’s why, following the loss, Suns coach Frank Vogel was quite livid and critical of the fact that the play wasn’t reviewable, so the Suns pretty much couldn’t complain (via Mark Medina).
Suns coach Frank Vogel taking issues with officials saying timeout call wasn’t reviewable pic.twitter.com/y36ScTpypC
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 6, 2023
These kinds of things happen all the time, and it’s just a part of the game.
Then again, it was a blatant mistake by the referees and one that ended up having a major impact on a crucial game.
The Lakers will now get to square off with the New Orleans Pelicans for a spot in the In-Season Tournament’s final.
It won’t be easy, and hopefully, it will be settled on the court and not by poor officiating.
The Suns, on the other hand, continue to struggle to close out games and live up to their potential, not to mention the fact that Bradley Beal continues to sit out with a worrisome back injury.
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