NBA: Bryant fouled Rubio

The NBA today says official Jason Phillips made the wrong call at the end of last night's Lakers-Wolves game at Target Center.

But you knew that already, didn't you?

The league reviewed the play and told the Wolves this morning that Bryant fouled Ricky Rubio at game's end and this afternoon is expected to make an official explanation.

Rubio was left livid when he launched a long game-tying three-pointer at the final buzzer that Bryant contested by getting a hand on Rubio's wrist, contact that caused the final shot to fly left and fall short.

The league said:

"Ricky Rubio attempted a 3-point shot at the buzzer of the Los Angeles Lakers' 120-117 win over the Timberwolves on March 27. Video review by the league office confirmed that Kobe Bryant fouled Rubio while Rubio was in his shooting motion. Rubio should have been awarded three free throws."

You can see the league's explaination with a video link here.

He also said this about if the foul had been called and if Rubio had made the three free throws to force overtime, "We would have went into overtime and won the game. Simple as that."

Rubio was near tears after the game when he spoke about the final play.

"I don't like to lose," he said. "I hate it. Sometimes it's tough when you give everything and something like that happens. Just keep going through, it's tough, it's tough."

Asked what kind of look he had at the basket and if he felt he would have made the shot, Rubio said, "I don't want to think about it."