With 52 seconds left in Game 1 of the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals, Aaron Nesmith was whistled for a kickball violation. knicks The Pacers tied the game at 115-115, and the Knicks scored on the ensuing possession to take a 118-115 lead that they ultimately never relinquished. The game was won 121-117..
problem? Even a cursory replay review made it pretty clear that Nesmith didn’t really appear to be kicking the ball.
Everyone will focus on the illegal screen in Knicks vs. Pacers, but this kickball call was arguably even worse, and it wasn’t talked about enough on the broadcast.pic.twitter.com/pwA84tIXp0
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) May 7, 2024
However, this call cannot be challenged or reviewed, so no one has been able to fix it. But after the game, head umpire Zach Zarba was quick to concede. media pool report That he and his crew blew it.
question: After consideration, was the kickball call against Aaron Nesmith deemed correct?
Zarba: On the floor, we felt that would be a kickball violation. Post-game review found it hit the defender’s hand, which would be legal.
question: Will the Pacers be allowed to contest the kickball call?
Zarba: Kicked ball violations are not subject to review and are not subject to coach appeal. There are three things teams can challenge him for: fouls, goaltending, and going out of bounds.
As you can imagine, the Pacers weren’t too thrilled.
Myles Turner: “Aaron Nesmith’s kickball, that wasn’t a kickball. You can clearly see that in the replay.” pic.twitter.com/Ea7qgZOEAE
— James Herbert (@outsidethenba) May 7, 2024
That was…a tough break for Indy and its fans, especially considering Myles Turner was also (controversially) whistled for an illegal screen with 12.1 seconds left and the Pacers had a chance to take the lead. .
Head coach Rick Carlisle appealed the ruling, but it was not overturned. Neither he nor Turner completely blamed the referee for the result, but it was something they were clearly not happy about after the game.
Rick Carlyle: “I don’t want to talk about hosting. I don’t expect to get a call here.”
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 7, 2024
Rick Carlisle on Myles Turner’s illegal screen call: “I don’t want to talk about refereeing. I don’t expect a call here. I wish I could have fired it, but I didn’t.” That’s what it is. We challenged it. They reviewed it. pic.twitter.com/tx9dyi9vr3
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 7, 2024
Myles Turner: “We reviewed it and they still said it was an illegal screen. But this is the playoffs, dude. I think DiVincenzo sold it well. In most cases, you can’t let them decide the match.” So the referees have to take responsibility as well. ” pic.twitter.com/0GXYW3dZlQ
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) May 7, 2024
Still, that level of personal responsibility isn’t going to help Pacers fans sleep well tonight, and if they end up losing a close game, there could be even more sleepless nights.
