In 2024, it’s confounding that the NBA still struggles with managing a basic 48-minute game clock, or more precisely, four 12-minute clocks.
That’s the standard duration for an NBA game, yet during a recent match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies, an additional one minute and six seconds were played due to what the league termed an error. Following a shot clock violation in the third quarter, someone – presumably the clock operator – incorrectly adjusted the game clock to 2:20 instead of 1:14. Remarkably, no one noticed.
“The error was not detected in real-time by the teams, referees, game clock operator, or the stats crew,” stated NBA spokesperson Tim Frank in a communication with The Commercial Appeal. “Though regrettable, the error wasn’t identified in time to rectify it during the game.”
This is alarming. While errors are inevitable, the absence of a protocol to catch such mistakes is unacceptable in 2024, especially given the NBA’s heightened scrutiny due to its proximity to sports betting.
Leaving aside the gambling aspect, this error is significant. Except in cases of overtime, additional time should never be added to or subtracted from a game clock. In a game where the Grizzlies secured a one-point lead with precisely 1:06 remaining in the fourth quarter, that extra time could have determined the outcome. The Lakers capitalized on the extended period, concluding the game with a 6-2 run to edge closer to securing the eighth seed in the Western Conference. While it cannot be definitively stated, this discrepancy may have affected playoff standings.
The presence of sports betting magnifies incidents like this. The extra time potentially altered moneyline bets and wagers on the Lakers’ total points. LA scored four points during the added time, finishing with 123 points, narrowly surpassing the over line of 121.5.
If the NBA aimed to reassure the public about the integrity of its games amidst reports of investigations into betting irregularities involving Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, this incident is counterproductive. It only fuels existing suspicions and distrust, with even some NBA insiders questioning the proximity of betting to the game and the legitimacy of results.