Key Takeaways:
– Jalen Brunson criticized officials after an incorrect foul was called against him
– Knicks filed a protest in response to the wrongful call
– Coach Tom Thibodeau commended the front office for lodging the protest
– Injury updates indicate key players likely to be back on court after the All-Star break
New York Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson expressed his displeasure over a wrong foul call that cost the team a win against the Houston Rockets on February 12. Crew chief Ed Malloy admitted fault for the call. However, the admission didn’t ease Brunson’s disappointment.
Speaking Out Against the Wrong Call
The Knicks fell to the Rockets in a tight 105-103 game. A significant contributor to the loss was a foul called on Brunson against Aaron Holiday with a mere 0.3 seconds remaining.
Brunson was clear in his critique of the call. He remarked, “They can keep it to themselves.” The all-star shared his thoughts via New York Post after another loss to the Orlando Magic on Valentine’s Day.
Ed Malloy’s Admission and NBA’s Stance
Malloy defended that during the live action, the lower body contact seemed illegal. However, a postgame review revealed that the contact occurred after the ball’s release. Hence, it was incidental and should not have prompted a foul call. The Last 2 Minute Report endorsed this admission by stating that Brunson had legally contested Holiday’s shot.
Knicks Take A Stand
The Knicks demonstrated their official disappointment by filing a protest against Brunson’s inappropriate foul. Despite the $25,000 bond required to file the protest, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau applauded the move.
Thibodeau regarded it as right and necessary action promising, “Let the league decide.” As per NBA Hoops Online, only eight out of 35 protests filed in the NBA since 1952 have been upheld and resulted in game replays.
Looking Ahead: Injury Updates and Plan
As per Fred Katz of The Athletic, Thibodeau anticipates that Bojan Bogdanovic, Donte DiVincenzo, and Isaiah Hartenstein will be fit for the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 22.
Regarding this, Thibodeau stressed the importance of recharging and preparation for the next start. He stated, “There’s a lot of work to be done, but I think it’s a good opportunity to take a break and recharge after the amount of games they have been in and traveled to. You want to take advantage of that as well.”
The team will assess the conditions of other injured players, including Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson after the All-Star break. Randle and Anunoby will be re-evaluated in two weeks, while Robinson will begin on-court activities after the break.
Conclusion
This unfortunate incident has served as another reminder of the critical role officials play in the outcome of games. Moving forward, the Knicks are keen on making the most out of their break and hope to return stronger, leaving this controversy behind.
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