NBA: Matt Barnes got away with two violations on key defensive stand against Suns

The Grizzlies lost to the Western Conference-worst Lakers yesterday.

That’s bad enough, but perhaps Memphis should’ve lost to the West’s second-worst team the day before.

Matt Barnes got away with two violations during a pivotal defensive stand as the Grizzlies attempted to protect a two-point lead in the final seconds against the Suns on Monday, per the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report.

First, Barnes disrupted Phoenix’s offense with an uncalled defensive three-second violation. The violation occurred with 18.6 seconds left, according to the NBA:

Barnes (MEM) is in the paint without actively guarding an opponent for longer than three seconds.

Then, with 14.7 seconds left, Barnes got away with a shooting foul on Jon Leuer, who missed. NBA:

Barnes (MEM) makes contact with Leuer’s (PHX) arm that affects his driving shot attempt

If the three-second violation were called, the Suns would’ve gotten a free throw and kept the ball. If the foul were called, Leuer would’ve gotten two free throws. Either would’ve been huge in a two-point game.

Instead, Phoenix had to begin intentionally fouling, and Memphis pulled away for a 103-97 win.