MIAMI — LaMelo Ball accidentally founded a new religion Wednesday night after explaining that his spectacularly illegal four-step sidestep three-pointer was actually the result of allowing the basketball to guide him.
The Minnesota Timberwolves guard made the shot during the second quarter against Miami, taking what appeared to be a brief walking tour of South Florida before launching from beyond the arc.
The referees counted the basket.
Unfortunately, the NBA rulebook did not.
After reviewing the footage, the NBA Referees' official account confirmed that Ball had taken four steps after gathering the basketball, exactly twice the permitted number.
Ball offered a different interpretation.
He explained that he had simply let the ball guide him, suggesting that as long as he wasn't touching it, the number of steps shouldn't matter.
Within hours, fictional followers of the newly established Church of the Sacred Gather were reportedly abandoning traditional basketball teachings.
"Two steps are a limitation of the physical world," one imaginary disciple explained. "LaMelo has transcended the pivot foot."
The movement's central doctrine holds that traveling is not a violation but a spiritual journey, and that referees lack the authority to interrupt divine footwork.
Even Ball's brother Lonzo rejected the teachings, posting "Travel lmaoooo" on social media.
LaMelo accused him of hating.
Meanwhile, Minnesota defeated Miami 131–106, with Ball contributing 21 points and six assists while Anthony Edwards scored 45.
The NBA has reportedly declined to recognize the new religion, citing concerns that Stephen Curry might immediately become its second prophet.
**LaMelo Ball took four steps, made three points, and discovered that the only thing separating traveling from enlightenment is a referee willing to blow the whistle.**
