In a riveting showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats, the New York Knicks pulled off a stunning upset against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, marking one of the most thrilling sequences of the NBA playoffs thus far. However, amidst the excitement, it appears the Knicks may have benefited from a missed call or two.
According to the NBA’s Last 2 Minute Report released on Tuesday, officials failed to recognize four crucial infractions in the final two minutes of the game, two of which directly impacted the play leading to Donte DiVincenzo’s game-winning 3-pointer.
The contentious play began with Jalen Brunson sinking a clutch 3-pointer with just 30 seconds remaining, narrowing the Sixers’ lead to 101-99. As Kyle Lowry inbounded the ball to Tyrese Maxey, both Brunson and Josh Hart engaged in physical contact with Maxey, with Brunson blatantly grabbing Maxey’s jersey just before the pass.
The league’s assessment concluded that both Brunson and Hart committed fouls against Maxey, impeding his ability to secure the ball and maintain balance. The report stated:
Brunson (NYK) pulls Maxey’s (PHI) jersey away from his body, which affects Maxey’s ability to secure the pass.
Hart (NYK) steps forward into Maxey’s (PHI) space and initiates lower body contact that causes Maxey to lose his balance and fall to the floor.
Additionally, the report highlighted two other missed calls: a defensive three-second violation on OG Anunoby with 1:14 remaining and a personal foul by Joel Embiid on DiVincenzo with 34.7 seconds left.
The revelation of these officiating errors is likely to intensify the Sixers’ grievances over the outcome of Game 2, particularly as they find themselves trailing 2-0 in the series heading into Game 3 in Philadelphia. Reports indicate that the team plans to lodge an official complaint with the league regarding the game.
One notable incident during the game involved Sixers coach Nick Nurse, who gestured for a timeout as Lowry prepared to inbound the ball. Despite Nurse’s attempts, the timeout was not granted, leading to further frustration. Nurse expressed his frustration, stating:
“I call timeout (before the inbound). Referee looked right at me. Ignored me. It went into Tyrese. I called timeout again. Then the melee started … I guess I gotta run out onto the floor or do something to make sure to get his attention.”
While the NBA acknowledged Nurse’s attempt to call timeout, it noted that the officials did not recognize or grant it:
“Maxey (PHI) brings his hands towards Hart (NYK) and marginal contact occurs as Maxey releases away from Hart during the inbound. An attempt to call a timeout by Coach Nurse (PHI) during this play is neither recognized nor granted by the officials.”
While the NBA admits its mistakes in these reports, it changes nothing, the Knicks still lead 2-0.
With Game 3 looming on Thursday, tensions are sure to rise as the series shifts to Philadelphia. The fervent Sixers fans are expected to voice their discontent with the league’s officiating in the lead-up to the crucial matchup.
标签：NBA Playoffs, League, Referee Errors, Knicks, Controversial Win, Sixers, Last 2 Minute Report, Jalen Brunson, Kyle Lowry, Tyrese Maxey, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Foul, Jersey Grabbing, Lower Body Contact, OG Anunoby, Joel Embiid, Timeout, Nick Nurse, Philadelphia
