Sixers’ Complaints
In yesterday’s second game of the first-round series between the Sixers and the Knicks, the game was decided in the final moments, with the Sixers ultimately losing and falling behind 0-2 in the series. After the game, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse complained that he had called two timeouts, but the referees chose to ignore them. Today, the referee report has been released, revealing the errors made in the final two minutes of the game.
Nurse’s Frustration
During a crucial free throw for the Sixers in the final moments, Nurse had attempted to call a timeout. Later, Tyrese Maxey also attempted to call a timeout while contesting for possession. However, the referees ignored both instances of timeouts. Nurse expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “I called a timeout, the referees looked at me, and then ignored me. When the ball was with Maxey, I called another timeout, and then the melee ensued. I felt like I had to run onto the court or do something to get the referees’ attention.”
Referee Report’s Findings
The NBA referee report addressed these two timeout incidents. Regarding the first timeout attempt during the free throw, the report acknowledged that Nurse did indeed attempt to call a timeout, but it was not granted by the referees. The league did not explicitly state that denying the timeout was a wrong decision. As for the second timeout attempt, the report stated that Maxey did not have full possession of the ball at the time, hence the Sixers were not granted the timeout.
Impact on the Game
During the ensuing melee, the Knicks regained possession, and Donte Divincenzo’s three-pointer put them ahead, ultimately securing a 104-101 comeback victory. The series will now move to Philadelphia for the third game, where the Sixers will host the Knicks at their home court. (Lvbet)
