There was no shortage of controversy late in the NBA in-season tournament matchup between the Suns and Lakers. With a trip to Las Vegas and a spot in the semifinals on the line, both teams played playoff-caliber basketball on both ends.
But with under 20 seconds remaining, things got off the rails, and Phoenix guard Devin Booker posted the best photo of the bunch thus far to ignite the team’s fan base even more.
After Booker scored to cut the Lakers’ lead to one, Austin Reaves hit a clutch three-pointer with 15.1 seconds remaining to make it a 105-101 game. It seemed likely that would seal the deal, but after a quick bucket by Kevin Durant, the Lakers inbounded, and it appeared Reaves lost the ball with three defenders around him.
But then a whistle came, and the officials granted Los Angeles a timeout with 7.1 seconds remaining.
The Lakers’ 106-103 victory Tuesday over the Suns to advance to the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals featured a controversial call in the closing seconds.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 6, 2023
L.A. was granted a timeout during what seemed to be a loose ball.
🎥 @BleacherReport pic.twitter.com/MQHtIABZC4
As seen above, Suns players are visibly perplexed by the decision. LeBron James (at the top of the screen) was credited with calling the timeout. But Booker took to social media after the game to post a screenshot of the play that quickly grabbed attention.
Devin Booker's Instagram story... pic.twitter.com/t0saipHexf
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) December 6, 2023
Booker’s screenshot showed him with the ball already in his hands following the apparent turnover and on his way to the hoop while James was above, signaling timeout. The controversy over this is likely warranted, as the Lakers were up two at that point, and the Suns would have had a chance to tie or take the lead.
Instead, Anthony Davis ultimately made one of two free-throw attempts, and the Lakers pulled out a 106-103 victory.
