NBA Last Two Minute Report: Warriors vs. Timberwolves
The NBA Last Two Minute Report (L2M) is an essential tool used by the league to review and analyze potential officiating errors in the final moments of close games. It allows the NBA to provide transparency to both teams and fans regarding critical decisions made during the final two minutes of regulation, offering a breakdown of whether calls or non-calls were accurate based on video review. These reports not only hold referees accountable but also serve to foster a better understanding of officiating decisions in high-pressure moments.
One such instance where the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report garnered significant attention came after a dramatic game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game, which was one of the many compelling matchups during the 2024-2025 NBA season, had all the hallmarks of a classic showdown. Both teams were vying for a spot in the playoffs, and with the game coming down to the final seconds, the officiating became a focal point for debate.
This piece dives into the specific details of the Warriors’ vs. Timberwolves game and examines the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report. We’ll explore the moments in the final two minutes that led to controversy, the league’s analysis of those key decisions, and how this particular report affected the perception of the officiating in such a crucial game.
The Stakes of the Warriors vs. Timberwolves Game
The game between the Warriors and the Timberwolves was not just another regular-season contest. Both teams were engaged in a heated battle for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. The Warriors, led by their iconic trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, were aiming to extend their championship window, while the Timberwolves, a rising team powered by the talents of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, were trying to prove their legitimacy as a playoff contender.
As the game progressed, it became clear that this would be a close, down-to-the-wire affair. By the time the game reached its final two minutes, the score was neck-and-neck, and every possession felt critical. As often happens in these high-stakes situations, the referees’ calls became a focal point of scrutiny. With the game tied and under a minute left, fans and analysts alike were bracing for a potential controversial moment that could sway the outcome.
The Critical Moments in the Final Two Minutes
The final two minutes of the game featured several pivotal moments, each of which had significant ramifications on the game’s outcome. The score was tied with roughly 1:30 left when the Timberwolves gained possession after a Warriors turnover. What followed was a series of controversial calls and non-calls that would become the subject of the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report.
1. A Possible Foul on Anthony Edwards
One of the first points of contention came with about 1:25 left on the clock. As Stephen Curry tried to drive past Anthony Edwards for a layup, he appeared to make contact with Edwards’ arm, which seemed to hinder his shooting motion. Curry missed the shot, and the Warriors were left frustrated, believing that they should have received a foul call. On replay, it was clear that there was some arm contact, but it wasn’t immediately obvious whether it was enough to warrant a whistle.
In the NBA’s L2M report, the league confirmed that there was “minimal contact” but also noted that “Edwards maintained verticality” and that Curry’s miss was more due to his awkward release than the contact. Therefore, the non-call was deemed accurate, with the NBA affirming that there was no egregious error by the referees in this instance.
2. The Draymond Green Flagrant Foul Review
With 1:05 remaining, a controversial sequence involving Draymond Green emerged as the next key moment. Green, known for his fiery competitiveness and physical style of play, was called for a flagrant foul after an aggressive contest on a rebound. In the heat of the moment, Green appeared to have extended his arm with force while challenging Rudy Gobert for position in the paint. Gobert, the Timberwolves’ towering center, was sent sprawling to the ground, and the referees immediately reviewed the play to determine whether Green’s actions warranted a flagrant penalty.
After a thorough review, the referees decided to assess Green with a flagrant foul penalty 1, meaning it was a foul deemed unnecessary but not excessive. The NBA’s L2M report confirmed that the flagrant foul was correctly called, noting that Green’s extended arm had made significant contact with Gobert’s neck area, which justified the decision. This was a significant moment in the game, as the Timberwolves were awarded free throws and possession, allowing them to gain a critical lead.
3. Warriors’ Challenge on a Possible Goaltending Violation
With just under 30 seconds left and the Timberwolves leading by two, the Warriors were desperately trying to get a stop. After a missed shot attempt by Towns, the ball ricocheted off the rim and was quickly scooped up by the Warriors. However, the Warriors coaching staff, led by Steve Kerr, believed that the Timberwolves had violated the goaltending rule by interfering with the ball while it was still in its downward trajectory.
Upon review, the NBA’s L2M report concluded that there was no goaltending violation. The ball had not yet started its downward trajectory when Gobert swatted it away, meaning the referees had correctly ruled the play as legal. This decision had significant implications for the Warriors, as they had hoped for the ball to be awarded back to them, potentially giving them one last chance to tie or win the game.
4. Stephen Curry’s Final Three-Point Attempt
With only 10 seconds remaining, Curry found himself with a chance to tie the game on a three-point attempt. As Curry rose to take the shot from beyond the arc, he was met with a close contest from Timberwolves defenders. Some fans believed that there was significant contact from Edwards, which could have warranted a foul, especially after Curry missed the shot. Replays seemed to show that Edwards was near Curry, but the contact appeared to be minimal, with Curry likely missing the shot due to his off-balance form.
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report did not find any violations on this play. It confirmed that Edwards had not committed a foul on the three-point attempt, and the no-call was upheld. While this call left some fans upset, the report indicated that it was consistent with NBA officiating standards, which often allow for more physical defense on perimeter shots, particularly in the closing moments of a close game.
The Overall Analysis in the Last Two Minute Report
The NBA’s L2M report, which provides an objective review of critical officiating decisions in the final moments of a game, ultimately concluded that the majority of the key calls and non-calls in the Warriors vs. Timberwolves game were accurate. The report noted the following conclusions:
- Non-call on Curry’s drive against Edwards: The minimal contact was within the bounds of acceptable play, and no foul was warranted.
- Flagrant foul on Draymond Green: The referees correctly assessed the situation, and Green’s actions met the criteria for a flagrant foul penalty 1.
- Goaltending review: The play was correctly ruled a non-violation, as the ball had not started its downward trajectory.
- Final three-point attempt by Curry: The contest on the shot was deemed legal, with no foul committed by Edwards.
While the report validated the officiating decisions for the most part, it also underscored the difficulty in making real-time calls during high-pressure moments, especially in a close, fast-paced game like this one. The NBA acknowledged that these final moments often result in heated discussions and differing opinions, but the report reinforced the idea that refereeing decisions can be contentious yet still fall within the realm of acceptable judgment.
How the L2M Report Affected the Game’s Outcome
The Warriors ultimately lost the game by a narrow margin, with the Timberwolves emerging victorious. While the L2M report didn’t change the result, it did serve to confirm that the referees had made the right calls in the crucial moments. This gave both teams and their fanbases clarity, though it didn’t necessarily quell the frustration on the Warriors’ side. There was still a sense among some fans that a few critical moments could have gone in Golden State’s favor, particularly the non-call on Curry’s final three-pointer.
For the Timberwolves, the report validated the decisions that helped them secure the victory. It affirmed the accuracy of their key defensive plays, including the flagrant foul on Green, which allowed them to gain a critical possession. From Minnesota’s perspective, the L2M report demonstrated that their performance was, on the whole, in line with the rules, which was a relief given how tight the game had been.
The Role of the Last Two Minute Report in NBA Transparency
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report plays an important role in maintaining the league’s transparency, particularly in close games where officiating decisions can be decisive. For the Warriors, the L2M report served as an explanation of the referees’ decisions and a reminder of the fine margins that often determine the outcome of a game.
While the report can’t change the result, it helps to create a framework for understanding why certain decisions were made. In a game as critical as this one, where playoff implications were on the line, the clarity offered by the L2M report was vital for both teams and their supporters.
