NBA admits officiating mistakes in 76ers' turbulent defeat to Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers appeared poised to clinch Game 2 of their first-round series against the New York Knicks, leading 101-96 with just 47 seconds left on the clock. What ensued was a sequence of events that will be etched in NBA lore for its sheer chaos: Jalen Brunson sank a 3-pointer, an inbound pass was deflected leading to a scramble, the Knicks regained possession, and Donte DiVincenzo hit a decisive 3-pointer, propelling the Knicks ahead permanently. Amid the tumult, 76ers coach Nick Nurse claimed his timeout requests were disregarded during the critical moments, and both Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid expressed frustration over non-calls on apparent fouls.

The NBA's Last Two Minute Report later validated some of Philadelphia's grievances, notably acknowledging that Maxey was indeed fouled during the play that set up Brunson's crucial three-point shot, reducing the 76ers' lead to two. Despite the acknowledgment, Maxey chose not to linger on the issue, even as the 76ers faced a 2-0 series deficit.

Coach Nurse also voiced disappointment, particularly about the missed timeout calls, with the report confirming at least one missed timeout call when Kyle Lowry was attempting to inbound the ball. Additionally, the report pointed out missed calls on an Embiid foul on DiVincenzo and a defensive infraction by Knicks' OG Anunoby.

Despite the NBA's admission of these errors, a game replay was denied, reminiscent of a similar situation earlier in the season involving the Knicks and an officiating error during a game against the Houston Rockets.


As the series shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4, both teams are hopeful for a reduction in officiating drama.

Source Sportsmax : NBA acknowledges refereeing errors in 76ers chaotic loss to Knicks
Source CBS Sports : Knicks vs. 76ers: NBA report says refs made multiple mistakes against Philly in loss that led to grievance