Within a second on the call, Jalen Brunson had his hands over his head resigned to the fact that it wasn’t his team’s night.
The New York Knicks found themselves on the receiving end of a tough decision last night that cost them against the Houston Rockets.
With the game tied 103-103, the Knicks’ defense was looking for one final stand to take the game to overtime. New York trailed by as many as 16 points but worked their way back in the second half. Precious Achiuwa seemed to have done enough when he blocked Jalen Green’s shot with just seconds remaining. The ball feel to Aaron Holliday who was deemed to have been fouled by Brunson in the act of shooting.
Jalen Brunson was called for a foul on this play 👀
Rockets win off free throws 😳 pic.twitter.com/Pn7hZR43lU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 13, 2024
Brunson along with coach Tom Thibodeau were stunned at the call as the contact from Knicks guard seemed minimal. The decision came at a critical stage of the game and provided the Knicks with little chance of a comeback.
Thibodeau remained diplomatic after the game but New York players were clearly upset. After the game, Brunson simply said “great call, next question.” Brunson’s teammate Josh Hart posted “No way bro” on social media with a series of laughing face emojis.
Brian Windhorst called the it a “brutal call” on ESPN’s First Take.
“I don’t see how you call a foul on that shot,” said Knicks’ play-by-play announcer Mike Brenn.
Crew chief Ed Malloy admitted after the game to a reporter that it was a bad call but that won’t do the Knicks much good. The team dropped to 33-21 on the season and will now prepare for a difficult upcoming schedule that includes the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76er and Boston Celtics.
