Something unusual happened at the start of the fourth quarter during Friday`s Game 3 between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rui Hachimura lost the ball, and Jaden McDaniels picked it up, racing down the court intending to dunk. Luka Doncic immediately pursued him, attempting to make a defensive stop.
This was a potentially crucial play. The Timberwolves were leading by four points at the time. A successful transition score would have boosted the crowd`s energy, while a stop could have given the Lakers momentum for a comeback. Doncic initially had a step on McDaniels, but then suddenly stopped.
McDaniels completed the dunk. Minnesota extended their lead to six points and ultimately won the game.
So, what caused this halt? We found out a few minutes later when an upset JJ Redick called a timeout and walked onto the court to speak with an official. After a commercial break, the broadcast informed viewers that the arena`s public address announcer had announced that anyone found with a whistle would be removed from the game.
Doncic stopped because he heard a whistle. However, it did not come from an official, but from someone in the stands. A video that surfaced after the game clearly captured the sound of the whistle.
Apparently, this wasn`t the only time it occurred. Lakers reserve Jordan Goodwin stated he heard the whistle from the crowd three or four times in the second half. According to Goodwin, in one instance, even LeBron James stopped, believing he had heard a whistle. Measuring the exact impact of these interruptions is difficult, but in a closely contested game, every possession is vital.
The NBA has an official fan code of conduct which lists items prohibited within arenas. Whistles, for obvious competitive fairness reasons, are included on that list. A fan who manages to bring one in, as seemed to happen on Friday, could use it to confuse opposing players at strategically critical moments.
Arena security is expected to be particularly vigilant during Game 4 on Sunday. The NBA clearly wants to prevent fans from interfering with the action on the court, even if the interference only affected a few plays.
