'Look at Harden's feet': Critical no-call changed course of Wolves-Clippers
The "Last Two Minute Report" from the NBA after Sunday's game between the Timberwolves and Clippers won't matter because the critical missed traveling call on James Harden happened with just over two minutes left in the game that saw the Clippers leave Minneapolis with an 89-88 win.
But make no mistake, the missed call was huge.
"This is the and-1, Jim Pete, that gave the Clippers the lead. Look at Harden's feet," Timberwolves play-by-play announcer Michael Grady told analyst Jim Petersen when watching the replay. He then counted Harden's illegal steps: "One, two, three, four."
Milliseconds after Harden clearly traveled, he passed the ball to Kawhi Leonard, who scored and drew a foul – and hit the free throw – to give the Clippers an 87-84 lead with 2:01 to play.
If the refs call Harden for traveling the Clippers never get those three points and the Wolves would've had the ball with the game tied and two minutes left on the clock.
The no-call put the pressure on the Timberwolves whereas a turnover on Harden would've kept the pressure on the Clippers and changed the course of the final two minutes.
Either way, it was an ugly game between two of the top teams in the West – a matchup that could return in the NBA playoffs.
Mar 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) dribbles as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) defends during the second half at Target Center.
Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
