Both Lakers and Timberwolves benefited from key missed call Wednesday

The Lakers (19-51) defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves (16-55) in overtime on Wednesday night, 101-99, in a wild finish that saw Jordan Clarkson draw a foul with 0.3 left on the clock for a pair of game-winning free throws.

For a close game, the NBA releases a report the following day, reviewing the final two minutes. In the case of the Lakers and Timberwolves, the entire overtime session was also examined closely.

While the foul on Zach LaVine that sent Clarkson to the line was ruled correct, the officials missed the ensuing inbound play from the Timberwolves in which Clarkson fouled Minnesota rookie Andrew Wiggins.

“After inbound, but prior to the touch, Clarkson (LAL) grabs Wiggins’ (MIN) arm, preventing him from catching the pass,” reads the report.

NBA officials reviewed 21 items, finding six mistakes, including five non-calls -- of which four favored the Lakers and two the Timberwolves.

Clarkson was also incorrectly called for traveling with just over two minutes left in overtime, when LaVine knocked away the ball “before [Clarkson] picks up his pivot.”

The NBA reports have more to do with accountability and transparency, than outcome. The Timberwolves don’t get a pair of free throws after the fact, for Clarkson’s missed foul on Wiggins.

Of course, the Lakers would have been better off with a loss, with draft lottery standings more important than a win over one of the teams they need to “catch” in Minnesota.

The Timberwolves, who benefited from the late missed call, are now two wins “behind” the Philadelphia 76ers (18-54) with only a few weeks left in the season.

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.