Knicks File Protest with NBA, Disputing Monday Loss to Rockets Due to Alleged Incorrect Call

In a surprising turn of events, the New York Knicks are officially filing a protest following their 105-103 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday, according to The Athletic.

A league source confirmed this decision on Tuesday, signaling the team's dissatisfaction with the outcome of the game.

The contentious moment occurred with the score tied at 103, as Rockets guard Aaron Holiday attempted a last-second 3-pointer.

Referee Jacyn Goble deemed it a foul on Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who was alleged to have collided with the shooter.

Holiday successfully converted two of three free-throw attempts, securing the victory for Houston.

Post-game, crew chief Ed Malloy conceded in an interview that Brunson's contact was "incidental," admitting the foul call was a mistake.

This revelation came after the final buzzer, leaving the Knicks to question the legitimacy of the game's conclusion.

If the foul had not been called, the teams would have proceeded into overtime with a tied score of 103.

Referee Admits Error in Crucial Call During Knicks vs. Rockets Game

Crew chief Ed Malloy's admission after the game, acknowledging the error in real-time judgment, added weight to the Knicks' grievances, Sports Illustrated reports.

The NBA's subsequent two-minute report, which reviews crucial moments in the game, further supported the Knicks' claims by labeling the foul on Brunson as incorrect.

The NBA has rarely upheld protests, with only six instances in league history, per ESPN Stats & Information.

The last upheld protest occurred on December 19, 2007, involving Miami Heat's Shaquille O'Neal, where an incorrect six-foul ruling led to a game resumption on March 8, 2008.

The Atlanta Hawks ultimately won 114-111 in the replayed 51.9 seconds of overtime. Notably, O'Neal had been traded to the Phoenix Suns before the game resumed.

Slim Odds for Knicks Dispute Success

The Knicks dispute faces an uphill battle, considering the historical rarity of upheld protests, SI reports.

If the league decides to support the protest, the teams could potentially revisit the disputed game, playing a five-minute overtime to determine the rightful winner.

As of now, the game officially stands as a loss for the Knicks, who are grappling with a three-game losing streak.

The team, currently with a 33-21 record, holds the fourth position in the Eastern Conference standings.

The upcoming game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday marks the last one for the team before the All-Star break.

The team is scheduled to resume play on February 22 against the Philadelphia 76ers, Bleacher Report noted.

There is a possibility that the league might utilize the break to address the challenge related to the overtime period.

If successful, it could lead to the playing of overtime during that time, although such a development would be unexpected.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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