Hawks guard Jeff Teague should have been called for a personal foul, which the NBA labeled “punching” against Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica, in the final seconds of a 117-107 loss Monday. The play is under review by league Basketball Operations.
The league issued its Last Two Minutes report on the game Tuesday. The report stated an incorrect non-call that Teague should have been called for a foul on Bjelica with 1:16 remaining. It then stated an incorrect non-call when Teague made contact, a punch it stated, with Bjelica after a rebound with 1:15 remaining and that the play was being reviewed by the league. Teague could face disciplinary action.
The incident occurred behind the play after Teague had a layup attempt blocked by Karl-Anthony Towns and Bjelica got the rebound. A video replay showed Teague, who appeared frustrated, reach around Bjelica and make contact with his face several times.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the contact following Tuesday’s practice.
“I think he was trying to take a foul to put (Bjelica) on the free-throw line and have a chance to get back in it,” Budenholzer said. “That’s kind of what it looked like. There might have been something that went over and beyond that but his intention was just to take a foul.”
Bjelica had a run-in with Al Horford earlier in the game. It led to Horford being assessed a technical foul early in the fourth quarter for jawing at Bjelica after being fouled during the Hawks’ comeback attempt.
The league issues the report as an assessment of officiated events that occurred in the last two minutes of games which were within five points at the two-minute mark (and during overtime, where applicable).
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