L2M: Refs missed 2 calls in Lakers' favor late
Officials missed two calls in Game 5 of The Finals on Friday that may have benefitted the Los Angeles Lakers late against the Miami Heat, according to the NBA's last-two-minute report.
The report notes that Heat forward Andre Iguodala should have been assessed a defensive three-second violation with 28 seconds remaining and Miami up 107-106. While Los Angeles still eventually scored on the possession to take the lead temporarily, the Lakers would have shot a free throw and then retained possession had the call been made on Iguodala.
Referees also missed Jimmy Butler's foul 33 seconds earlier. The Heat forward was determined to have made illegal contact with LeBron James' head as the Lakers star drove to the basket. Despite not getting the call, James grabbed his own rebound and converted the basket anyway.
However, the last-two-minute report didn't side with Lakers head coach Frank Vogel, who complained postgame about fouls on Anthony Davis and Markieff Morris that placed Butler on the free-throw line twice in the final minute. The calls were ruled correct in both instances.
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