NBA claims clock error caused additional time to be played during Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies game

On Friday night's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter of the match, more than a minute was added in extra game time. However, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies by 123-120

According to ABC News, NBA league Spokesperson Tim Frank released a statement on Saturday stating "We have confirmed that the game clock was inaccurately set in the third quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers-Memphis Grizzlies game last night at FedEx Forum." "After a shot clock violation, the clock was set at 2:20 when it should have been at 1:14. The error was not noticed in real-time by the teams, the referees, the game clock operator, or the stats crew. While unfortunate, the effort was not identified in time to resolve the situation in-game."

During the third quarter, the Memphis Grizzlies were called for a shot clock violation. The officials stopped the game at 1:14 because the shot clock had reset, even though the Grizzlies did not hit the rim on the possession. 

When the shot clock was reset, the game clock was also reset, moving from 1:14 to 2:20. Nobody seemed to notice, and the teams proceeded to play the rest of the game. It means the game lasted an additional 1:06. The score was 2-2 throughout the extra 1:06 of the third quarter.

Important win for Los Angeles Lakers

The Grizzlies seized the lead with precisely 1:06 remaining, as Jake LaRavia made two free throws to put Memphis up 118-117. However, the Lakers grabbed control after that, with LeBron James sealing the game with an incredible reverse slam in the dying seconds.

However, the win against the Memphis Grizzlies was an important one for the Los Angeles Lakers as they are in the race for a Play-in spot with the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. As the regular season is nearing its end there is a tie between these three teams to get into the playoffs spot.