Whether you choose to call that step 2 or 3 is semantics because it is legal in the rulebook. The 3-step thing is an easy rule of thumb to teach new players not to travel but is not always applicable as in this case. I was not trying to argue that 3 steps is a hard and fast rule.

It is important that the referees pay attention to that step, not because that foot coming down is a travel, but because if he then brings down either of his other feet it will be a travel so in that sense it "counts".

My original post was an attempt at light-hearted ribbing of NBA fans' impulsive need to defend their sport which clearly did not land. (Or may have landed a little too close to home)