The referees made several late officiating errors during Monday’s Game 2 win by the New York Knicks over the Philadelphia 76ers, according to the NBA’s Last Two Minutes report released Tuesday.
According to the report, the incorrect non-calls included a personal foul with 27 seconds left in the fourth quarter in which Jalen Brunson pulled Tyrese Maxey’s jersey, and another personal foul in which Josh Hart initiated contact with Maxey which caused Maxey to lose his balance and fall. on the floor with 25 seconds left.
The Knicks pulled out a stunning victory after three straight points – one by Brunson before those non-calls, then a game-winner by the Knicks’ Donte DiVincenzo after Maxey fell trying to catch an inside pass. The basket gave New York the lead with 13 seconds left and the Knicks won 104-101 to take a 2-0 series lead.
DIVINCENZO AND BRUNSON DRILL 3 BACK TO BACK AND THE KNICKS TAKE THE LEADS! 🔥
13.1 REMAINING IN GAME 2 ON TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/x0PwLjhsbw
-NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2024
Additionally, the L2M report also references an attempt by 76ers coach Nick Nurse to call a timeout in the final 24 seconds. The report states: “An attempted call for a timeout by the nurse coach (PHI) during this play [in which Hart steals the ball from Maxey] is neither recognized nor granted by officials; the timeout request is simultaneous with Hart making contact with the ball and PHI not having possession.
A 76ers spokesperson said Monday that the team intends to file a complaint with the NBA regarding the officiating in Games 1 and 2, saying the team was “disadvantaged by two calls during the game 1 according to league report (last two minutes).”
The team said it would argue it should have been given a timeout after Brunson’s three-pointer with 27 seconds left made the score 101-99.
“Unacceptable,” Sixers star Joel Embiid said Monday of the officiating. “Tyrese was fouled several times. We just experienced the same thing against Miami, with Tyler Herro. It is simply unacceptable to put ourselves in this situation. Yeah. This is truly unacceptable. And lose a game like this, especially in the playoffs.
The nurse also said he called a time out.
“The referee looked me straight in the eye, ignored me. (The ball) went into Tyrese. I reminded you of the waiting period. Then the melee began. I guess I (should) have to run across the floor to make sure I get his attention.
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(Photo: Vincent Carchietta / USA Today)