Knicks’ Controversial Call Fuels Debate in Playoff Opener
In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the New York Knicks emerged with a 121-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their NBA second-round playoff series. However, the game was overshadowed by a questionable call late in the fourth quarter, raising questions about its impact on the outcome.
A Questionable Call
With twelve seconds remaining and the Pacers trailing by one point, the sequence that has ignited debate occurred. Tyrese Haliburton was driving towards the basket as Donte DiVincenzo defended him when Myles Turner set a screen. DiVincenzo, seemingly caught off guard, stumbled to the ground and quickly sold the contact as if he had been hit by Turner.
The referees, to the surprise of many, called a foul on Turner. This decision gave the ball back to the Knicks and effectively sealed the game.
“It’s unfortunate that it happened. They called it an illegal screen. It’s the playoffs,” said Turner after the game. “DiVincenzo did a good job selling it. We can’t leave the outcome of the game to the refs.”
Reactions and Controversies
The call sparked reactions across the NBA landscape. Commentator Stan Van Gundy called it “shocking” and said he had “never seen that call at this point in the game.” Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid simply added, “LOL.”
In a twist of irony, ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr., an avid Knicks fan, criticized the call as a “fleecing” of the Pacers and a shame on a fantastic series opener.
Missed Kicked Ball Violation Adds to Confusion
As if the controversial call wasn’t enough, the referees also admitted to incorrectly calling a kicked ball violation against the Pacers just 52 seconds earlier. This violation, which could not be challenged due to rules, took away a potential opportunity for Indiana to tie the game.
Brunson’s Stellar Performance
Amidst the controversy, Jalen Brunson emerged as a shining star for the Knicks. He led the team with 43 points, becoming the fourth player since Michael Jordan in 1993 to score at least 40 points in four consecutive playoff games.
“The little things can go a long way,” said Brunson. “I’m just happy to have the group of guys that I do.”
Game 2 on Wednesday
With the series tied 1-0, Game 2 will take place at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. The Pacers will look to even the series, while the Knicks will aim to build on their advantage and steal another victory on home court.
The questionable call and its aftermath have injected an extra layer of intrigue into this already captivating series. While the debate over the call may continue, the one thing that remains clear is that this rivalry is poised to produce more dramatic moments as it moves forward.
