The Knicks haven’t had things easy this postseason, but they have had an incredible knack for winning in the final minutes.
Monday’s Game 1 win over the Pacers was no different, and it took a heart-stopping final 60 seconds of the fourth quarter for the Knicks to get on top.
The Knicks trailed by five points heading into the final quarter and trailed by nine in the final period, but key plays involving former Villanova stars Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo sealed the comeback. I made it.
With the score at 115-all and 52 seconds left, Brunson made an errant pass that resulted in Aaron Nesmith being called for a controversial kickball violation, but the review was limited to foul, goaltending, and ball. Due to NBA rules, Indiana could not challenge the call. Calls out of range.
The Knicks kept possession, and on the ensuing inbounds, Brunson stole the ball and gave it back to DiVincenzo, who hit a game-breaking 3-pointer to put the Knicks up by three points.
After the game, crew chief Zach Zabra admitted to pool reporters that the referee made a wrong call.
“On the floor, we felt it would be a kicked ball violation. Post-game review found it hit a defender’s hand, which would be legal.” Zabra told Fred Katz of The Athletic..
Brunson was initially asked to turn the ball over from inbounds after Pascal Siakam made a shot to bring the Pacers within one point, but officials determined the ball hit Andrew Nembhard’s leg. The Knicks took on the challenge and won.
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However, Brunson turned the ball over on the offensive side of the floor after trying to throw the ball out of bounds from Indiana.
However, during the play, the ball bounced off Brunson, who himself was standing in the frame.
However, even though the Pacers had a chance to advance, they couldn’t even make a shot.
Myles Turner was called for an offensive foul on DiVincenzo.
And despite objections from head coach Rick Carlisle and the Pacers, the referees upheld the decision.
Before the Knicks could get the ball on target, Brunson was fouled by Nembhard, giving the Knicks a free throw and possession.
Brunson sank his first chance, then scored two more points on his next intentional foul before sinking it for a 121-117 victory.
It ended in utter chaos and controversy, but the Knicks survived another scare in a basketball game.
