The Knicks failed to go up 3-0 in their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup against the Pacers on Friday night in Indianapolis — and one crucial missed call might have made a difference.
The NBA’s Last Two Minute (L2M) report released on Saturday confirmed that Pacers big man Pascal Siakam should have been called for an offensive foul on Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein with 1:56 left in the fourth quarter.
On the play, Indiana guard Andrew Nembhard drove to the basket for a layup as Siakam is seen restraining Hartenstein under the basket.
The non-call allowed Nembhard to score and give the Pacers a 104-102 lead. They went on to defeat the Knick, 111-106.
“Siakam (IND) grabs Hartenstein’s (NYK) arms off-ball and the contact affects Hartenstein’s ability to defend the oncoming driving shot attempt,” the report reads.
The non-call, the only one missed in the last two minutes according to the report, also loomed large because if it had been called correctly, Siakam would have picked up a sixth foul, thus ending his night.
Siakam added a layup later in the quarter as the Pacers secured the win.
Questionable officiating has been a common theme during the Knicks’ postseason matchups against the both the Philadelphia 76ers and Pacers.
Knicks ironman Josh Hart said Pacers center Myles Turner should have been called for a goaltend with 2:03 left in Game 3, which fell just outside the purview of the last two minute report.
The officiating irked Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who lamented a series of calls that “could’ve gone our way” in Game 3.
“From my vantage point, I thought those calls could’ve gone our way but I’m not gonna comment until I look at the film,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game. “We’ve just got to find a way to win, that’s the bottom line.”
Additionally, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle was fined $35,000 by the league for “public criticism of the officiating and questioning the integrity of the league and its officials” after he was ejected in Game 2.
The series will resume on Sunday afternoon in Indiana as the Knicks try for a 3-1 series lead against the Pacers.
