NBA referees admit LaMelo Ball's three-pointer was a travel: He took four steps

NBA referees acknowledged that LaMelo Ball committed a travelling violation on a three-pointer he scored against Miami, a play that drew wide attention on social media. The officiating body, NBRA, said Ball received the ball while his right foot was planted, which gave him the two steps, left-right, he was entitled to. However, the player took four steps before shooting.

The statement gave a clear answer to fans asking whether the play was legal: it was not. The referees did not call the violation during the game, and the controversy grew after the footage spread online.

His brother Lonzo Ball also referenced the play on social media and mocked the situation. LaMelo did not let the criticism go unanswered. Ball defended his brother's reaction as competitive banter and said he has always been the one who turns out to be right in the family.

The incident has prompted renewed discussion of referee decisions and step rules in the NBA. The game's result and the impact of the officiating error remain a separate topic of debate.