The NBA acknowledged a missed call involving Luka Doncic during a critical point of the Lakers’ Game 4 playoff match against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Minutes before the end at a score of 114-113 in favor of the Timberwolves, Doncic was involved in a collision with Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels, which appeared to be an inadvertent foul near midcourt. Doncic fell but maintained possession as the Lakers called a timeout to prevent a potential eight-second violation.

This incident was one of two significant missed calls in tight playoff games on the same day, the other concerning a foul on the New York Knicks’ Josh Hart as Tim Hardaway Jr. attempted a three-pointer at the end of their match, which the Knicks narrowly won 94-93. The NBA later confirmed that Hardaway had indeed been fouled.

Doncic reacted to the missed foul straightforwardly, stating, “I got tripped, for sure.” Had the call been made, Doncic would have had the chance to either equalize or give the Lakers a lead from the free-throw line. Instead, Minnesota capitalized, securing the game with free throws from Anthony Edwards that brought the score to 116-113.

LeBron James voiced his frustration regarding a separate moment where he felt he was fouled, which the NBA confirmed after review.

The Lakers faced defeat while aiming to level their playoff series against the Timberwolves, who now hold a 3-1 advantage.

The article contains notable information about the escalating tension in playoff games and how crucial calls can sway the outcomes.