Referees missed key calls Monday

The NBA said Tuesday that game officials missed three late fouls by Kevin Durant and one by LeBron James in Golden State’s 9992 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers Christmas Day. Both had complained loudly and vigorously about the calls in question,

Durant, according to the league, fouled James twice with less than 30 seconds to go in the fourth quarter and Cleveland down, 95-92, first making forearm contact to the Cavaliers star that fully affected James’ drives.

With 1:12 left, the league said Tuesday that Durant made contact with James that affected the play. Durant had appeared to hipcheck the four-time MVP, causing James to lose the ball out of bounds — another no-call that James questioned but ultimately blamed on himself.

Warriors

First the good news about superstar guard Stephen Curry. ESPN reported that Curry was re-evaluated Tuesday and team officials said he continues to make significant progress in overcoming the injury to his right ankle. The bad news is he will not play again until at least Friday.

Timberwolves

When Minnesota beat the Los Angeles Lakers late Monday night, 121-104, it marked the Timberwolves’ first victory on Christmas.

Heat

Guard Dion Waiters will consider having surgery this offseason to repair his problematic left ankle, conceding Tuesday that it likely won’t be fully healed until such a procedure takes place. He missed his second game in a row Tuesday night after a recurrence of the sprain that kept him off the floor for the final 13 games of last season.

Bucks

Milwaukee’s leading scorer Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the starting lineup Tuesday night against the Chicago Bulls after missing a game with soreness in his right knee.