The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off a four-game road trip on Saturday, facing the Utah Jazz. The Lakers narrowly escaped with a 105-104 victory and improved their standing to 12-8. It marked the Jazz’s second loss at the hands of LeBron James’ team, as the Lakers previously defeated the Jazz on November 19.
With just nine seconds left on the clock, the Jazz found themselves only one point behind the Lakers with 105-104 on the scoreboard. After LeBron James missed a three-pointer, Utah’s Collin Sexton grabbed the rebound and appeared to score the game-winning basket.
However, a timeout was called just before Sexton made the shot. Utah coach Will Hardy had rushed to the referees, signaling for the timeout, not realizing that Sexton had already made his move toward the basket.
JAZZ CALL A TIMEOUT ON A GAME WINNER😭 pic.twitter.com/yKM3E9l2Gg
— Hoops © (@HoopMixOnly) December 2, 2024
The call frustrated Jazz fans, who were visibly upset with the timing of the whistle. The mistake sparked intense reactions, as fans struggled to understand how such a costly error could be made at such a crucial moment. Many fans took to social media to express their disbelief, with some even calling for Coach Hardy’s job.
O you hate to see it
— Kimbo’s Lice (@Kimbo_Slice305) December 2, 2024
Hahaha fire that coach
— AyoRyno (@RynoCrypto) December 2, 2024
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Dumbass
— tankbarzal (@bm90710) December 2, 2024
Worst coach in the league.
— Austin⚡️ (@austinsprops) December 2, 2024
WILL HARDY YOU IMBECILE
— ɪᴍ.ʀɪʟᴇʏ シ ✞ ☘️ (@CookedByRiley0) December 2, 2024
will hardy really costed them a win unreal😭
— bob truck (@TruckBon) December 2, 2024
Will Hardy Explains Timeout Decision That Ruined Collin Sexton’s Chance To Win For Jazz
Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy took responsibility for calling a timeout that prevented Collin Sexton from scoring a game-winning layup in their close loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. In an interview with Ryan Miller of KSL.com, Hardy explained his decision after the game.
“We like to let people go in that situation. When Collin did a retreat dribble backward, I started calling a timeout. It’s obviously loud. The hope would have been to have a few more seconds than 2.1. But, yeah, it’s tough,” Hardy said.
The loss extended the Jazz’s struggles, leaving them with a 4-26 record for the season. The Utah team will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, hoping to bounce back from this tough defeat.
