The New York Knicks kicked off their second-round series with a thrilling 121-117 triumph over the Indiana Pacers.
Building on the momentum from a nail-biting clash against the Philadelphia 76ers, they secured another electrifying victory at Madison Square Garden.
However, the game wasn’t without its controversies, leaving some fans and one NBA star feeling sour about Monday’s outcome.
In a critical moment with less than a minute remaining, the officials made a contentious call, citing a kickball violation on Aaron Nesmith.
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This foul handed possession back to the Knicks in a tied game, allowing them to capitalize with a pivotal three-pointer from Donte DiVincenzo.
Then, as the Pacers attempted to orchestrate a comeback with the ball and trailing by one, Myles Turner was penalized for an illegal screen, prompted in part by some theatrics from DiVincenzo.
These calls sparked outcry on social media, with many accusing the NBA of favoring the Knicks, including 76ers superstar Joel Embiid who seem to imply such with a very simple post.
Embiid’s 76ers were of course just eliminated by the Knicks last series with the officials receiving plenty of heat in that one as well.
Many fans had similar sentiments.
With Game 2 looming on Friday at 7 p.m. ET, the Pacers aim to level the series and silence any lingering doubts about fairness on the court.
