In the second game of the NBA playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks, several controversial moments occurred that left both teams feeling aggrieved. The Last Two Minute Report released by the NBA on Tuesday revealed that multiple calls were missed during this pivotal sequence of events.
Firstly, Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers was fouled twice while attempting to secure an inbounds pass with less than 30 seconds remaining on the clock. The first foul occurred when Jalen Brunson pulled Maxey's jersey away from his body, affecting his ability to catch the ball cleanly. The second foul was initiated by Josh Hart, who stepped into Maxey's space and made lower-body contact that caused him to lose balance and fall to the floor without being called for a foul.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse also expressed frustration after the game as he felt he should have been granted a timeout during this chaotic sequence. However, according to the NBA report, his request was neither recognized nor granted by the officials due to simultaneous actions.
These missed calls had significant implications on the outcome of the game. The Knicks went on to score two crucial points from these turnovers, which ultimately led them to a 104-101 victory and a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
The NBA's acknowledgment of these errors has sparked controversy, with many questioning the integrity of officiating in professional basketball. The Sixers have announced their intention to file a grievance with the league regarding the officiating across the series.
Despite these setbacks, Tyrese Maxey remains optimistic about his team's chances in this playoff series. He averaged an impressive 34 points per game against the Knicks and is determined to help his team bounce back from this disappointing loss. The next games will be played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.