Since 2015, the NBA has released last two-minute reports to show transparency in the face of inevitable errors by officials. This season, the data shows that one team has benefited more than any other.
Overall, the Nuggets have had 17 errors work in their favor, with only eight going against them. The error disparity of -9 ties the Atlanta Hawks for the most in the NBA, while only nine teams have a difference of -4 or higher.
The Sixers are the most affected team by wrong calls in the last 2 minutes in the 2023-24 season, according to the L2M reports.
The Lakers and the Celtics are also in the top (well, bottom) 5.
The Nuggets are the ones who benefited the most throughout the season! pic.twitter.com/ERG6mt78sX
— Daniel Bratulić (@daniel_bratulic) April 3, 2024
Good teams and stars like multiple-time MVP Nikola Jokic get calls, so seeing the Nuggets top this list isn’t a shocker. What might come as a surprise is the list of teams that have gotten the short end of the stick on calls that should’ve gone their way.
The Boston Celtics, who own the best record in the NBA (59-16), are among the bottom five. Meanwhile, the LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers (43-33) are there, too, disproving a popular narrative.
A rival of both teams rises above them all. The Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off a long stint without reigning MVP Joel Embiid, have the most significant error difference in the league (11).
The data lacks crucial information, as it doesn’t reveal much context. For instance, it doesn’t show whether the errors had a tangible impact on whether a particular game was won or lost.
Despite that, seeing the defending NBA champions at the top of the list is interesting, even if it is a coincidence. What it says about the league or officiating as a whole is unclear, but it could create some interesting dialogue.
