NBA Admits Incorrect Call Late in Lakers-Nuggets Thriller

League says foul on Spencer Jones should not have been called in final seconds of regulation

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:23am

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The NBA has acknowledged that a key foul call late in the Los Angeles Lakers' victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday was incorrectly made. With 9.2 seconds remaining and the Nuggets leading by 3 points, a foul was called on Nuggets player Spencer Jones as he was defending Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Reaves made both free throws to bring the Lakers within 1 point, setting up their game-tying and eventual overtime win. However, the league said Jones "cleanly dislodged the ball" from Reaves and the foul should not have been called.

Why it matters

This incorrect call had a significant impact on the outcome of the game, as the Lakers were able to tie it up and eventually win in overtime after the disputed foul call. It raises questions about the consistency and accuracy of officiating in high-stakes NBA games.

The details

With the Nuggets leading 116-113 with 9.2 seconds left, Reaves was fouled by Jones after the inbounds pass. Reaves made both free throws to make it a 1-point game. The Lakers then got the ball back and Reaves hit a game-tying shot to send it to overtime, where the Lakers prevailed. However, the NBA later admitted the foul call on Jones was incorrect, as he had cleanly stripped the ball from Reaves.

  • With 9.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the foul was called on Spencer Jones.
  • The Lakers went on to win the game in overtime.

The players

Austin Reaves

Los Angeles Lakers guard who was the recipient of the disputed foul call late in regulation.

Spencer Jones

Denver Nuggets player who was incorrectly called for the foul on Reaves in the final seconds.

Luka Doncic

Lakers player who hit the game-winning baseline jumper with 0.5 seconds left in overtime.

Jamal Murray

Nuggets player who struggled, shooting just 1-of-14 from the field and scoring 5 points.

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What’s next

The NBA will likely review its officiating procedures and training to try to avoid similar incorrect calls in high-pressure situations in the future.

The takeaway

This game highlights the ongoing challenges the NBA faces in ensuring consistent and accurate officiating, especially in close, high-stakes matchups. It also underscores the significant impact that even a single disputed call can have on the outcome of a game.