NBA Admits Incorrect Call Helped Lakers Force Overtime in Dramatic Win Over Nuggets

The Los Angeles Lakers secured one of their most dramatic victories of the season Saturday night, but the National Basketball Association later acknowledged that a critical officiating decision late in regulation should not have been made.

According to the league’s Last Two Minute Report, officials incorrectly ruled a foul during a key defensive play involving Austin Reaves, a call that ultimately helped the Lakers force overtime before defeating the Denver Nuggets 127–125.

The ruling has sparked debate among NBA fans and analysts, especially because the controversial call directly influenced the final sequence that led to Los Angeles’ comeback.

NBA Last Two Minute Report Confirms Missed Call

The NBA released its official review Sunday, confirming that Nuggets defender Spencer Jones made a legal defensive play when he stripped the ball from Reaves late in the fourth quarter.

With 9.2 seconds remaining in regulation and Denver holding a 116–113 lead, Jones successfully dislodged the ball from Reaves shortly after he received an inbound pass.

However, referees mistakenly called a foul on the play instead of awarding possession to Denver.

The NBA’s review explained the situation clearly:

Jones extended his right hand and cleanly dislodged the ball from Reaves after the inbound pass.

Had the correct call been made, the Nuggets would likely have gained possession with only seconds remaining, putting them in strong position to secure the victory.

Instead, the foul sent Reaves to the free-throw line and completely changed the outcome of the game.

Austin Reaves Creates One of the Season’s Most Unusual Plays

While the incorrect call gave the Lakers a lifeline, Austin Reaves still had to execute under pressure — and he delivered in spectacular fashion.

Reaves first knocked down the initial free throw, cutting Denver’s lead to two points. The real drama came on the second attempt.

Knowing the Nuggets would intentionally foul to prevent a game-tying three-pointer if the Lakers regained possession, Reaves made a bold decision.

He intentionally missed the second free throw.

The ball bounced perfectly back toward him. Reaves grabbed the rebound and immediately floated in a quick shot over Nikola Jokić, tying the game with just 1.9 seconds left in regulation.

The arena erupted as the Lakers completed one of the most improbable late-game sequences of the NBA season.

Reaves later explained his thinking behind the play.

“I thought if I threw it fast enough, Jokic wouldn’t have time to get his hands up to grab the ball.”

The basket forced overtime and gave Los Angeles a second chance to secure the victory.

Luka Dončić Delivers in Overtime

Once the game reached overtime, Luka Dončić took control.

The Lakers superstar had already been dominant throughout the game, and he saved his biggest moment for the closing seconds of the extra period.

With the score tied late in overtime, Dončić created separation from his defender and drained a difficult 17-foot fadeaway jumper with just 0.5 seconds remaining.

The shot gave the Lakers a 127–125 lead and effectively sealed the win.

Dončić finished the night with a spectacular stat line:

• 30 points

• 13 assists

• 11 rebounds

The performance marked his eighth triple-double of the season and further strengthened his MVP-caliber campaign.

Following a timeout, Denver attempted a desperation shot from Tim Hardaway Jr., but Dončić blocked the attempt to secure the victory.

After the game, Dončić praised Reaves for the clutch sequence that forced overtime.

“That execution was perfection,” Dončić said.

Lakers Win Carries Major Playoff Implications

Beyond the controversy, the victory had significant implications for the Western Conference playoff race.

With the win, the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 42–25, moving into sole possession of the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets dropped to 41–27, sliding to fifth place and falling 1.5 games behind Los Angeles.

As the NBA regular season approaches its final stretch, every game becomes increasingly important for playoff positioning.

This result could prove especially significant if the two teams meet again in the postseason.

Nuggets Players Still Credit Lakers’ Execution

Despite the NBA acknowledging the officiating mistake, Denver players showed respect for the Lakers’ ability to capitalize on the opportunity.

Forward Aaron Gordon praised Reaves’ skill and composure.

“Great play. He’s a skilled player. Tip your cap to him.”

Interim Nuggets coach David Adelman also acknowledged how rare the sequence was.

“That’s one in a hundred in the NBA.”

Jokić echoed the sentiment, noting that the rebound bounce played a key role in the outcome.

“He got a perfect bounce. He got the ball and made the floater.”

While the Nuggets clearly understood the controversy, they ultimately credited the Lakers for executing under pressure.

Officiating Controversy Adds Drama to Lakers–Nuggets Rivalry

The NBA’s admission that the strip was legal has added another layer of intrigue to an already intense matchup between the Lakers and Nuggets.

These teams have developed a competitive rivalry in recent seasons, frequently meeting in high-stakes Western Conference games.

While the Lakers celebrated the dramatic comeback victory, the league’s report raises questions about how the final seconds of regulation might have unfolded if the correct call had been made.

Denver might have secured possession and potentially closed out the game without overtime.

Instead, the Lakers seized the opportunity — turning a controversial call into one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.

Final Thoughts

The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report confirmed that the Los Angeles Lakers benefited from an incorrect foul call in their dramatic win over the Denver Nuggets.

However, the game still required exceptional execution from Los Angeles to complete the comeback.

Austin Reaves’ quick thinking on the missed free throw and Luka Dončić’s clutch overtime jumper ultimately defined the game.

Controversy aside, the thrilling finish could have lasting consequences in the Western Conference standings — and may even set the stage for a potential playoff showdown between the Lakers and Nuggets later this year.