The New York Knicks’ hopes for a strong start to their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers were dashed on Wednesday night, as they suffered a heartbreaking 138-135 loss in overtime. The game was marked by a disputed foul call in the final minutes of the fourth quarter that proved pivotal in determining the outcome.
Key Moments
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Disputed Foul Call: With just 30 seconds remaining, the Knicks held a five-point lead. Officials overturned an initial foul call against Pascal Siakam of the Pacers for a foul on OG Anunoby of the Knicks. Analyst Stan Van Gundy expressed his disagreement, stating:
"I was convinced that after Anunoby lost his grip on it he got hit by a hand and deserved to be called for a foul. And not just because of my opinion – I think it’s clear there was no clear evidence to overturn it."
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Pacers’ Rally: The overturned call sparked a rally led by Aaron Nesmith, who scored three points within seconds, narrowing the deficit from five to three with less than 30 seconds left.
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Overtime Drama: In another crucial moment, Tyrese Haliburton scored a buzzer-beater, sending both teams into overtime. During overtime, the teams traded baskets, but ultimately, the Pacers secured victory.
Player Performances
Despite their best efforts and several clutch performances from key players:
- RJ Barrett and Julius Randle combined for over 60 points.
However, the Knicks fell short, largely due to poor officiating, which saw multiple questionable calls go against them throughout the game.
Conclusion
This gut-wrenching loss marks an uncertain start to what promises to be an intense series between two competitive teams. Observers noted the frustration surrounding the officiating, with one stating:
"It’s hard not to feel frustrated when you see plays like that get blown."
As the teams look forward to their next matchup, fans are eager to see how things unfold.
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