There's kicking someone when they're already down, and then there's whatever the NBA officials did to the New York Knicks on Monday. Who would've guessed that a poorly officiated game would end with a terrible call benefitting the Rockets?
As if it wasn't bad enough that New York was without Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and Isaiah Hartenstein (and Donte DiVincenzo injured his hamstring), it was made worse by Ed Malloy, Jacyn Goble, and Andy Nagy. Even before the final possession, there were several questionable calls, including the two below.
How tf is this a foul on Brunson?! pic.twitter.com/rgipuWZJlh
— Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) February 13, 2024
How was this not a foul.....clearly hits him in the head pic.twitter.com/AoSB3mB4IB
— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) February 13, 2024
The Rockets (33) took 21 more free throws than the Knicks (12), yet New York had eight more points in the paint than Houston. If that doesn't raise a red flag, wait.
After Jalen Brunson hit a clutch shot to tie the game at 103 with a little over eight seconds left, the Rockets had the ball. Precious Achiuwa had a huge block on Jalen Brunson, but Aaron Holiday came up with the loose ball. With Brunson defending him, Holiday threw up a last-minute heave from well beyond the three-point line.
Knicks fans breathed a sigh of relief when the shot didn't fall, but that relief was short-lived because of a whistle from Goble.
This is legitimately one of the most ridiculous 4th quarter calls I have EVER seen.
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) February 13, 2024
The Knicks had a game RIPPED AWAY from them. pic.twitter.com/McFPnpeg5V
To make matters worse, the officials reviewed the play but only to determine the time left in the game. Tom Thibodeau had already used his challenge, so Holiday went to the free throw line and hit two to give Houston the 105-103 win.
Knicks fans in uproar after Jalen Brunson whistled for terrible foul call
Let's take a closer look at Holiday's shot. Notice that he kicked his leg out, which cost Donte DiVincenzo earlier in the game.
Remember when the refs overturned Donte’s 3 free throws for kicking out? pic.twitter.com/ALlsSiBt1V
— Talkin’ Knicks (@TalkinKnicks) February 13, 2024
If it's going to be an awfully officiated game, at least make it an awfully officiated game on both sides.
You. Can’t. Call. That. AWFUL OFFICIATING.
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 13, 2024
@NBAOfficial How are you going to deal with the Houston Knicks awful call.
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 13, 2024
Brunson getting fouled entire game by Brooks and then a no call - call to end the game and take it out of the players hands.
Brunson is an all star and that was not a foul in this game.
Wrong call.…
Imagine going on X (Twitter) after a game and seeing a tweet from Ben Stiller telling you you're bad at your job.
Just got to the end of the Knicks game. Everyone that knows me or follows me knows I never complain about the officials, but that was one of the worst final shot heave foul calls I have ever seen in a NBA game. My gosh that's a bad call in that spot.
— John Schmeelk (@Schmeelk) February 13, 2024
Check referee Jacyn Goble’s FanDuel account @NBA
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) February 13, 2024
The officials just messed up a good ass basketball game. That was a BS call on Brunson at the end of the Knicks and Rockets game.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) February 13, 2024
Kendrick Perkins isn't a Knicks fan, but he's a Brunson fan.
“What did you think of the officiating?”
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) February 13, 2024
Thibs: “It was great. Great.”
He is not happy. pic.twitter.com/7L2KTgzqTh
In case you want to know how Thibodeau really feels about the officiating, here you go.
Tom Thibodeau draws up a play, finds out the game is over and is PISSED pic.twitter.com/cIdoUWLpPK
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 13, 2024
It's safe to say that when the Last Two Minute Report comes out on Tuesday afternoon, it's going to be interesting!