NBA Referees Association weighs in on LaMelo Ball’s traveling no-call

The National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA), the official union of NBA officials, responded to the controversial traveling no-call by Minnesota Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball, indicating that it should have been ruled as an infraction.

“For everyone asking, ‘how is this legal?’ It’s not!” the NBRA posted Thursday, Oct. 22 from its social media account. “He gathers with his right foot on the floor and would be permitted two steps by rule (left-right). He takes four steps after gathering the ball and travels.”

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The play occurred with 8:19 left in the second quarter of Minnesota’s game against the Miami Heat. With the game tied at 39, Ball slipped past a screen toward the right side of the floor. Ball picked up his dribble and then took a gather step by shuffling to his right. The issue is that Ball then took four lateral steps before beginning his shooting motion. He would go on to lace the 3-pointer, one of his five successful conversions on the night.

The Timberwolves won the game, 131-106, spoiling the Heat debut of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

When reached for comment on the no-call, the NBA referred USA TODAY Sports to the statement issued by the NBRA.

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This was the latest controversial traveling no-call early in the 2026-27 season. On opening night Tuesday, Oct. 20, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shuffled his pivot foot on a converted field goal, drawing a number of critical comments from fans and viewers on social media.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball debut as Heat and T-wolves collide

(Sam Navarro, Imagn Images)

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Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball debut as Heat and T-wolves collide

(Sam Navarro, Imagn Images)

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Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball debut as Heat and T-wolves collide

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) jump ball during the first quarter at Kaseya Center.

(Sam Navarro, Imagn Images)

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Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball debut as Heat and T-wolves collide

Minnesota Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at…

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Publish date : 2026-10-22 20:36:00

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