Deandre Ayton should have been called for a loose-ball foul on Nikola Jokic in the dying stages of Game 4 on Sunday, according to the NBA's L2M Report. The Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns series is now tied following the Suns' 129-124 win in Game 4. Game 5 is tonight in Denver.

The play occurred with the Suns leading 123-120 with 28 seconds remaining. Ayton recovered a mishandle from Jokic before the two-time MVP tied the ball up, causing a jump ball. Ayton won the tip, and the Nuggets fouled TJ Warren. Warren hit two free throws to essentially secure the game for the Suns.

On replay, however, it appeared that Ayton used his off-hand on Jokic’s right shoulder during the jump ball. This prevented Jokic from fully jumping up, and it helped the Suns secure the ball.

The NBA’s L2M Report takes a look at all calls in the last two minutes of games that were within three points during the last two minutes of play. And the report for this game confirmed that the officials should have called a foul on Ayton.

Clearly, it was a significant call. Had Nikola Jokic won the tip or if officials called a foul on Ayton, a one-possession game with just under 30 seconds to go would have been a very recoverable position. Once the Suns extended their lead to five, however, a win was unlikely for the Nuggets.

That’s not going to provide a great deal of solace for Nuggets fans. But don’t expect Jokic, Michael Malone and co. to expend too much energy worrying about it. Refs make mistakes, as do players, and the Nuggets have a must-win Game 5 to focus their energy on.