In recent revelations, the NBA admitted that a mistake was made in the final seconds of Monday’s game between the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
A controversial call stirred the pot, affecting the game’s outcome and revealing a pivotal moment where referees faltered.
In the NBA’s Last Two Minute report, it was highlighted that Knicks’ guard Jalen Brunson had legally vied for the late three-point attempt by Rockets’ Aaron Holiday.
Despite this, the officials deemed it a foul, leading to a narrow 105-103 defeat for the Knicks. This controversial decision blew a potentially captivating game and interrupted the pulsating flow of play.
In its Last Two Minute report, NBA says Jalen Brunson legally contested Aaron Holiday’s shot late in Knicks’ 105-103 loss to Rockets on Monday. In a pool reporter interview, referee crew chief Ed Malloy acknowledged after the game that the call on the floor was incorrect. pic.twitter.com/oOJtTPNQKK
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 13, 2024
Brunson executed four consecutive points tying the score 103-103 with only 8.1 seconds left in the final quarter.
However, the tide turned when he was called for a foul on Holiday with a mere .1 seconds to go. Holiday made the first pair of free throws but intentionally missed the last.
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
In a post-game interview, referee crew chief Ed Malloy conceded that the call was a blunder, stating the contact initiated by Brunson was not deliberate but incidental.
He said, “After seeing it during postgame review, the offensive player was able to return to a normal playing position on the floor.”
“The contact which occurred after the release of the ball therefore is incidental and marginal to the shot attempt and should not have been called.”
Brunson, despite being at the receiving end of the controversial decision, maintained professionalism, refusing to comment negatively on the officials’ incompetence. When repeatedly questioned, he responded consistently with “Great call. Next question.”
The defeat marked the third consecutive loss for the Knicks, with their record now standing at 33-21.
With key players like star forward Julius Randle (shoulder injury) and swingman OG Anunoby (elbow injury) sidelined due to ailments, the Knicks’ performance has understandably faltered.
Knicks are geared up to bounce back on the court as they face Orlando Magic this Wednesday. This game marks their final push before they break for the All-Star week.
