NBA Refs Call Out LaMelo Ball's Travel After Viral Video From T-Wolves' Opener vs. Heat

Most fans watching Wednesday's game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat knew LaMelo Ball got away with a travel.

The official social media account of the NBA Referees responded to the play Thursday and said, "For everyone asking, 'how is this legal?' It's not! He gathers with his right foot on the floor and would be permitted two steps by rule (left-right). He takes four steps after gathering the ball and travels."

Video of the play went viral Tuesday and even drew an amused response from Ball's brother, Lonzo:

When told of Lonzo's post during an interview with SportsCenter after the game, LaMelo said , "He hatin'. He hatin'. See, I gotta give him a call right now, 'cause with the family, he know what you supposed to do. Even if I'm wrong, I'm right. That's how it go, I gotta teach that boy."

Missed travel or not, Ball's debut with the Timberwolves went well.

He finished with 21 points, six assists, two steals and two rebounds and helped lead his new team to a dominant 131-106 victory over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat. Ball was excellent, but he was also a secondary option for the visitors with Anthony Edwards stealing the show.

Edwards dropped 45 points and 10 rebounds in just 33 minutes in a good sign of what is to come for the Timberwolves' new backcourt duo.