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NBA admits missed call on Austin Reaves strip late in Lakers win

ESPN NBA •
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The NBA's Last Two Minute Report confirmed a missed call in the Lakers' dramatic overtime victory over the Nuggets. With 9.2 seconds left in regulation, Spencer Jones appeared to strip the ball cleanly from Austin Reaves, but officials called a foul instead, sending Reaves to the free throw line.

According to the report, Jones "cleanly dislodges the ball away from Reaves" before the foul was whistled. The incorrect call allowed Reaves to cut the deficit to one point rather than potentially resulting in a turnover or Nuggets possession. The report didn't clarify whether the Lakers would have retained possession after the strip.

Despite the officiating error, Reaves continued his heroics by intentionally missing a second free throw and grabbing the rebound to tie the game. Los Angeles eventually won 127-125 in overtime on a Luka Doncic game-winning jumper. The missed call came during a wild final sequence that saw the Lakers overcome a three-point deficit in the closing seconds.