This fan pulled the reverse Steve Bartman during an intense moment at the Timberwolves game on Monday night. A likely Timberwolves supporter, seated courtside, made a crucial catch of a ball that veered out of bounds, giving the Timberwolves a glimmer of hope with just 0.3 seconds left in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. This unexpected catch could have altered the game's outcome, but ultimately, it resulted in a turnover for the Timberwolves, leading to a heartbreaking 128-126 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Consequently, Minnesota now finds itself in a challenging 3-1 series deficit.
In a surprising turn of events, Thunder star and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appeared to commend the fan's actions, referring to him as “smart” in a video shared by ESPN. It’s widely acknowledged that fans often engage in creative ways to support their teams, although some instances can go too far, like when Yankees fans attempted to wrestle Mookie Betts for a foul ball. The infamous Steve Bartman incident, in which he interfered with a foul ball during the 2003 NLCS, is still a painful memory for Cubs fans, although the team's 2016 World Series win has somewhat eased that burden.
This particular fan could have secured a place in Timberwolves lore had the team managed to pull off a victory. With Oklahoma City leading 128-126 and only 3.5 seconds on the clock, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards missed a critical free throw. The ensuing scramble for the rebound saw Gilgeous-Alexander and Donte DiVincenzo battling for control. Gilgeous-Alexander managed to grab the ball and launched a pass down the court, hoping to run out the remaining time. However, his throw went out of bounds, and this vigilant fan caught the ball before it could hit the ground, potentially stopping the clock from expiring.
The referees initially ruled that the Timberwolves had possession with just 0.1 seconds remaining, which would have rendered any shot attempt impossible. However, after a review, they adjusted the time to 0.3 seconds, offering Minnesota a fleeting chance to make a play. As the officials convened, Gilgeous-Alexander pointed towards the fan with a smirk, mimicking a thinking gesture, seemingly acknowledging the fan's “smart” move.
Thanks to the fan's timely intervention, the Timberwolves gained the opportunity to attempt a tip-in shot. Unfortunately, Jalen Williams of the Thunder intercepted the inbounds pass, sealing the two-point victory for Oklahoma City. As the Timberwolves head into Game 5 on Wednesday in Oklahoma City, they face elimination, entering the game as an 8.5-point underdog according to BetMGM. The stakes have never been higher for Minnesota as they aim to stave off elimination and keep their playoff hopes alive.
