The Philadelphia 76ers had no problem voicing their frustration with the NBA’s officiating following Monday night’s heartbreaking loss to the New York Knicks.
Joel Embiid called the league’s officiating “unacceptable” during his postgame media availability.
76ers head coach Nick Nurse, meanwhile, complained that the officials missed him calling a timeout late in the game.
“We take a look at getting it in quick. We don’t get it in quick. I call timeout,” Nurse said. “Referee looked right at me, ignored me. Went into Tyrese, I called timeout again. Then the melee started.”
Moments ago, the NBA released its “Last Two Minute Report” for Monday’s playoff games. Let’s just say the officials dropped the ball at Madison Square Garden.
For starters, the NBA said Knicks star Jalen Brunson should’ve been called for a foul when he tugged at Tyrese Maxey’s jersey. The star guard for the 76ers ended up turning over the ball just a few seconds later.
The league claims Knicks forward Josh Hart should’ve also been assessed a foul for how he guarded Maxey on that same possession.
As for Nurse’s attempt at calling a timeout, here’s what the report said: “An attempt to call a timeout by Coach Nurse (PHI) during this play is neither recognized nor granted by the officials.”
The NBA also said Knicks forward OG Anunoby should’ve been called for defensive three seconds. That’s probably the least egregious mistake of the bunch.
This report won’t do anything for the 76ers. The Knicks have already extended their series lead, and it’s not like the NBA will make the teams replay the last minute of Game 2.
The Knicks-76ers series will continue this Thursday in Philadelphia.