The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report has clarified that the referees were correct in not penalizing Denver’s Christian Braun for calling a timeout during the final moments of the Nuggets’ 119-115 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. The report confirmed that Braun never clearly signaled for a timeout, and therefore no violation occurred, despite the confusion that arose during the game’s final seconds.
With only 1.9 seconds left on the clock, Braun appeared to be in possession of the ball while on the floor, leading Golden State’s head coach, Steve Kerr, to believe that Braun had called a timeout. If Braun had done so, it would have resulted in a technical foul, granting the Warriors a free throw and possession. However, the referees instead called for a jump ball, and the game continued. The NBA’s report reaffirmed that Braun’s actions did not meet the threshold for a timeout call, as his movements were unclear and not a definitive signal.
After the game, Braun explained that he was aware the Nuggets had no remaining timeouts, as the coaching staff, including head coach Michael Malone, had discussed the situation. “I didn’t call a timeout,” Braun stated, acknowledging that his fumbling of the ball may have made his actions seem like he was signaling for a timeout, but the officials did not interpret it as such.
Kerr, however, was adamant that Braun had in fact called a timeout. He expressed his frustration after the game, insisting that it was obvious to everyone but the referees. “Braun called a timeout,” Kerr said. “Everybody saw it except for the three guys officiating the game, and that makes me angry.” Kerr argued that a technical foul would have given the Warriors a chance to capitalize on the situation with a free throw and possession.
The loss marked the Warriors’ fifth consecutive defeat, which included a devastating collapse in the final moments. Golden State had been leading by six points with just 2:32 remaining but was overtaken by a 21-6 run from Denver, who had trailed by 11 points with just over six minutes left in the game.
