The New York Knicks escaped with a Game 1 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, 121-117, and it came with some controversy over a questionable call late in the game.
With about 12 seconds left in the game and Indiana trailing by one point, Tyrese Haliburton was about to make a move on Donte DiVincenzo as Myles Turner set a screen. However, DiVincenzo fell when he collided with Turner's screen and sold it as if he had been hit hard.
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The Indiana Pacers' Myles Turner reacts after missing a dunk during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks on Monday, May 6, 2024 in New York, USA. NY. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The referees called a foul on Turner and the ball returned to the Knicks.
“Based on my experience in this league, I think it's best to let the players decide the outcome of the game,” Turner said after the game. “I think it's unfortunate that it happened… I called it an illegal screen.” It's the playoffs. I think DiVincenzo did a good job selling it. For the most part, you can't let the referees decide the game. We also have to take responsibility. “We know at the end of the day we can't get to that position.”
Indiana challenged the play, but the decision was upheld. The call provoked many reactions.
“This is shocking,” Stan Van Gundy said on the broadcast. “You never see that call at this point in the game. I mean, you never… That's a great acting job. There are a lot of great actors here in New York City; you see them on Broadway all the time. That's like Good acting work, as you will see.
“Entourage” star Jerry Ferrara wrote on that decided the game, go see something else. “
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“LOL,” added Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.
Don Van Natta Jr. of ESPN wrote: “I've been a Knicks fan since 1973 and the refs just fleeced the Pacers at MSG. They ruined a fantastic series opener.”
Donte DiVincenzo, #0 of the New York Knicks, gestures after making a 3-point basket as Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, left, looks away during the second half of Game 1 in a playoff series second round of NBA basketball on Monday, May 6. 2024, in New York City. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The referees admitted that they incorrectly called a late kicked ball violation against the Packers, who by rule could not contest the play. It happened with 52 seconds left. Aaron Nesmith appeared to hit Jalen Brunson's ball, but it was determined that Nesmith kicked it.
Twelve seconds later, DiVincenzo hit another decisive 3-pointer.
Brunson scored 43 points in the victory and became the fourth player to score at least 40 points in four consecutive postseason games since Michael Jordan in the 1993 NBA Finals.
“Little things can go a long way,” Brunson said. “So yeah, 40 points are great and all, but it's the little things that help us win games like that. So I'm happy to have the group of guys that I have.”
Jalen Brunson, #11, of the New York Knicks, passes by Aaron Nesmith, #23, of the Indiana Pacers, during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series on Monday, May 2024 in New York City. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Game 2 returns Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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