NBA L2M: Blazers F Grant traveled on final possession, Suns F Bridges did not

Phoenix Suns fans were left with a bitter taste in their mouth after Trail Blazers guard Jerami Grant hit a controversial buzzer-beating shot to give Portland the win at Footprint Center Friday night.

Portland and Phoenix were tied with 13 seconds left when Suns forward Mikal Bridges was called for traveling, giving the Trail Blazers a chance at the win.

With 1.0 seconds left and the Trail Blazers inbounding the ball beyond half court, Portland threw the ball to Grant under the hoop, where he took an additional three steps backward before drilling the shot, handing the Suns a 108-106 defeat.

Should the buzzer-beater by Jerami Grant have been called a travel? pic.twitter.com/UNQbfUDuf2

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) November 5, 2022

The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report explains any correct or incorrect calls officials made during the last two minutes of games. This report stated that on Bridges’ possession, he did not travel, and adversely, Portland’s Keon Johnson should have been whistled for defensive three seconds in the paint.

Devin Booker doubled.

Mikal Bridges traveled.

Chris Paul open. #Suns pic.twitter.com/kS2O60p2Df

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 5, 2022

“Bridges brings two hands to the ball and gathers it on his right foot. He then comes down on two feet for his first step and can choose either foot as his pivot foot. He establishes his left foot as his pivot by stepping with his right and then leaves the ground and releases his shot attempt,” the report said.

On the same play, the report added “Johnson has a foot on the lane line for more than three seconds without imminently actively guarding an opponent.”

Lastly, the league admitted to an incorrect call when Grant did indeed travel before getting the shot off.

“Grant (POR) gathers the ball with one hand and then takes three steps before releasing the shot attempt.”

The Trail Blazers were not penalized for either play while Phoenix was incorrectly charged with a turnover.

The Suns (6-2) get another chance at redemption against the Trail Blazers (6-2) on Saturday night after Portland has handed Phoenix both of its losses this season.

Catch the first tip at 7 p.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, the Arizona Sports app and ArizonaSports.com.