Following the Minnesota Timberwolves’ heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, some fans began to wonder if the NBA as a whole was a scripted event.
In a closely contested NBA regular season, the LA Lakers clinched 43 wins, while the Minnesota Timberwolves won 42 games out of 82. Notably, the Lakers’ last win came against the Minnesota Timberwolves, adding to their overall record. The Lakers are moving on to the NBA Playoffs’ first round as a result of yesterday’s game, while Minnesota failed to earn the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and will now face the winner of Wednesday’s game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Why did the fans regard NBA as scripted?
Following the game, many supporters raised questions that the match was scripted. Let’s try to understand the reason behind their claim.
Firstly, Timberwolf’s Jaden McDaniels was out indefinitely with a fractured hand after punching a wall during Sunday’s game. It seemed to him that Jaden intentionally hurt himself to get out of the match and help the Lebrons’ team in winning.
Proof the nba is scripted #nba #lakers #lebron #rudygobert pic.twitter.com/JIlwRwVgml
— King Battle (@KingBattle444) April 11, 2023
It is common knowledge among basketball enthusiasts that it is not advisable to inform the opposing team about player injuries as it can aid them in devising better strategies. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves disclosed Jaden McDaniels’ injury before the match, which raised doubts and suspicion.
people unironically enjoy the NBA but everytime I try to watch I just see it as scripted and that's what ruins sports. terrible league
— tanishka🌷 (@taanishkaaa) April 12, 2023
After trailing by 15 points in the second half, the Lakers made a remarkable comeback to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-102 in extra time, fueling rumors that the match was fixed.
Furthermore, Timberwolves’ poor performance resulted in their inability to clinch the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Critics argue that it is unlikely for a team like the Timberwolves to play so poorly in such an important game, leading to rumors that the NBA may have wanted the Lakers to win.
The NBA is so scripted it’s hilarious
— kelly (@kllyrksn) April 12, 2023
Is this the NBA or some scripted WWE fake basketball game and we’re watching? This game feels so scripted.
Lebron the Lebrick the self proclaimed fake goat.
— Dan Jacob (@danjacob121) April 12, 2023
Speculations of Scripted Match Arise After Davis’ Foul in Lakers’ Victory over Timberwolves in ET
In the final moments of the game, with just 1.4 seconds remaining, Schröder received a pass from LeBron James and made a game-winning 3-pointer, leading the Lakers to victory. However, the Timberwolves’ Mike Conley attempted a 3-point shot with just 0.1 second left. The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a setback when Anthony Davis fouled out pointlessly, resulting in Conley making all three of his free throws to tie the game.
However, after the match, James did not leave Anthony regarding his fault and trolled Davis during a court interview with TNT, saying “it’s unfortunate that AD had a brain fart and messed (Schröder’s) game-winner up.”
Davis also felt regret for his fault and apologized.
“I messed his game-winner up, I apologize. I definitely apologize,” AD said.
To sum up, there is no proof to back up the claims that the NBA is staged, despite rumors and conspiracies to the contrary.
What are your thoughts on the game? Let us know in the comment box.
