NBA Admits Officials Missed Key Foul Call During Chaotic Knicks-Sixers Ending

Josh Hart fouled Tyrese Maxey on a game-changing sequence.

The New York Knicks staged a furious comeback to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 104–101 at Madison Square Garden Monday night. It turns out, they got a bit of help from the officials. On Tuesday, the NBA released its "last two minute report" for the game and found a key moment of that comeback never should have happened.

After Jalen Brunson hit a three-pointer to cut Philadelphia's lead to 101–99 with 27.1 seconds left in the game, Josh Hart stole the ball from Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey. That steal led to a sequence that ended with Donte DiVincenzo hitting a three-pointer to give the Knicks a 102–101 with 13 seconds to go. They never relinquished it. DiVincenzo never should have gotten the chance to take that shot.

The NBA's officiating report ruled Hart had fouled Maxey, which should have led to free throws for Philadelphia. Instead it kicked off the scrambling final play that led to the Knicks winning and taking a 2–0 lead in the series.

The entire sequence is below.

DIVINCENZO AND BRUNSON DRILL BACK-TO-BACK 3'S AND THE KNICKS TAKE THE LEAD! 🔥

13.1 REMAINING IN GAME 2 ON TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/x0PwLjhsbw

— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2024

It does appear Hart fouls Maxey to send him to the ground. In fact, it looks pretty clear.

To be fair, we don't know how the game would have ended with that change. It certainly would have made a big difference but may not have changed the ultimate outcome. Maxey shot 86.8% from the free throw line this season, so if you give the Sixers two points there the score would have been 102–99 with roughly 24 seconds remaining. That would have given New York time to tie the game.

The NBA admitting its mistake will not make this any easier on the 76ers or their fans.