Last Two Minute report reveals major mistake that led to the Chicago Bulls' defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers

The NBA Officiating Last Two Minute (L2M) report revealed a significant blunder that factored in the Chicago Bulls’ 108-105 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. With the game tied at 103-all and the Cavaliers inbounding, Alex Caruso was called for an away-from-play foul before the ball got inbounded, resulting in a free throw and possession for Cleveland.

According to the L2M report, the contact between Caruso and the Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell was marginal, and play should have been allowed to continue.

Here is the play. https://t.co/Zh3IPBifu6 pic.twitter.com/xPebkWpMOl
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) February 15, 2024

Crucial mistake

On that fateful play, Caruso and Mitchell were jostling for position, but the referee deemed that Caruso impeded the Cavs player from getting to his spot, leading to the foul call. However, hindsight is 20-20, and a review of the play after the game revealed the mistake.

“Caruso (CHI) and Mitchell (CLE) briefly engage and disengage during the throw-in and the contact between the two players is marginal,” the report read.

This error had a significant impact on the outcome of the game. Mitchell made the free throw and put Cleveland ahead, 104-103, with 43 seconds left in the game. With the game hanging in the balance, every point counts, and the Cavs were given a chance they shouldn’t have had.

L2M report says that away-from-play foul on Alex Caruso that led to Donovan Mitchell FT and missed Okoro 3 should not have been called. Caruso was arguing that in the moment.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 15, 2024

Part of the game

NBA officiating is as part of the league’s fabric as crossovers and slam dunks. But as with any job, mistakes are bound to happen. Referees are human and must make split-second decisions in a fast-paced environment. However, when these errors result in significant consequences for teams competing for spots in the NBA Playoffs, the mistakes are magnified and scrutinized.

The L2M revelation will not change anything for Chicago, and the team must gather their wits over the All-Star break and make a push for the playoffs with only 27 games left in the regular season.

Cavs have won 7 straight games against the Bulls 😐 pic.twitter.com/LlzqiISrFM
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) February 15, 2024

Crucial mistake

Part of the game

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