NBA Admits Referee Mistakes in Timberwolves-Blazers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 10:56 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers played a tight game on Tuesday, which ended in a three-point win for Minnesota 124-121.

Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels stepped up big time for the Timberwolves. Ant-Man finished with 34 points on 11-of-27 shooting, along with four rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Meanwhile, McDaniels recorded 29 points on a highly efficient 12-of-16 shooting. He added six rebounds, two assists, three steals and five blocks in the victory.

Jrue Holiday led Portland in scoring with 22 points, while Jerami Grant had 21. Center Donovan Clingan was also sensational with a double-double of 11 points and 16 rebounds, on top of three steals and two blocks.

Unfortunately, Portland simply didn't have enough firepower with their best players in Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe absent due to injuries.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) looks on during a game.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

While it was an exciting showdown, there were a couple of mistakes toward the end of the game that likely affected the final score.

According to the NBA's Last 2 Minute Report, there were two incorrect non-calls on shooting fouls that the Timberwolves and Blazers both benefited from.

With less than 1:20 remaining and Portland trailing 118-111, Grant tried to attack the basket. However, his shot was disrupted by Rudy Gobert, with the Timberwolves getting possession after Grant's miss and scoring on the fastbreak.

The NBA stated that Gobert should have been called for a foul in the play. Had it been called, Grant would have taken two free throws to possibly cut Minnesota's lead. The Timberwolves also wouldn't have gotten the chance to score at that point.

As mentioned, there was another non-call that went in the Blazers' favor. As Edwards tried to get past the Portland defense with 50 seconds remaining, he was apparently fouled by Vit Krejci. However, there was no whistle on the shooting foul, with Edwards missing his shot and the opponents getting possession.

"Krejci (POR) initiates contact with Edwards' (MIN) arm after he gathers the ball, and the contact affects his shot attempt," the NBA commented on the play.

It's unknown how the missed calls could have affected the game, but clearly, it could have been much closer than it was.

Unfortunately, nothing can be done now. The Blazers dropped to 28-31 with the loss, while the Timberwolves moved to 36-23 on the season. Minnesota is also now up to fifth in the Western Conference, while Portland remains in a play-in spot at No. 9.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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