NBA Admits Timing Error: Lakers and Grizzlies Clash Goes Over by 66 Seconds
In a bizarre turn of events, the Lakers versus Grizzlies game extended beyond regulation by over a minute due to a timing mishap.
Unnoticed Extension
NBA spokesperson Tim Frank confirmed today that in yesterday’s Lakers versus Grizzlies matchup, there was a discrepancy in the third quarter’s timekeeping. Originally, with 1 minute and 14 seconds remaining, the clock was erroneously reset to 2 minutes and 20 seconds after a Grizzlies’ 24-second shot clock violation. Neither team nor officials noticed the error promptly.
Implications and Oversight
While the additional time seemed inconsequential to the outcome, Lakers stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James each logged extended minutes, with Davis playing for 43 minutes and James for 41. Nonetheless, referee reports indicated three favorable calls for the Lakers in the final 2 minutes and some seconds.
Playoff Ramifications
The Lakers, currently holding the 8th spot in the Western Conference, are set to face the Pelicans tomorrow, aiming to secure a victory. A loss would open the door for the 9th placed Warriors and 10th placed Kings to potentially replace them, impacting playoff seeding and home-court advantage.
Mysterious Timer Malfunction
The extraordinary malfunction in timekeeping raises questions about its occurrence. The NBA officially acknowledged on the 14th that in the Lakers’ 123-120 close win against the Grizzlies on the 13th, there was an exaggerated timer malfunction in the waning moments of the third quarter. The clock reset from 1 minute and 14 seconds to 2 minutes and 20 seconds, resulting in an additional 66 seconds of play, during which both teams scored 2 points each.
Past Incidents
This isn’t the first time the Lakers have encountered timer malfunctions this season, though they were victims at their home court previously. In a prior game against the Warriors, the Lakers experienced a bizarre occurrence where the Warriors’ possession time inexplicably reset to 24 seconds, leading to extended offensive possessions. The game even saw multiple timeouts due to timer malfunctions towards the end. (SMBET)