NBA refs: Timberwolves’ LaMelo Ball traveled on viral stepback three

LaMelo Ball had an explanation for his viral stepback three-pointer. The NBA referees union wasn’t buying it.

The union’s official social media account confirmed Thursday that the Timberwolves guard traveled on the play during Wednesday’s 131-106 road win over the Heat.

“For everyone asking, ‘how is this legal?’ It’s not!” NBA Referees wrote on X. “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.”

The basket counted, becoming one of Ball’s five three-pointers in his Minnesota regular-season debut. But the sequence, which featured Ball moving backward with the ball spinning in his right hand, quickly drew attention for the steps preceding his shot.

Ball defended the move afterward during an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

“If you watch, I let the ball guide,” he said, via Devon Henderson of The Athletic. “If I’m letting the ball guide and I ain’t touching it, you can take as much steps as you want.”

The disagreement centers on when Ball gathered the ball. The referees union determined he had control before taking four additional steps, exceeding the two permitted.

Broadcasters Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson reached the same conclusion in real time, both calling out the travel. “Like, that has to be called,” Breen added.

Even Ball’s older brother, Lonzo, joined in. “Travel lmaoooo,” he posted.

Ball finished with 21 points alongside Anthony Edwards’ 45 as Minnesota won comfortably. His first game with the Wolves supplied plenty of highlights, though the referees union made clear that this particular one should have ended with a whistle.