The New York Knicks have taken a bold step by filing a protest with the NBA following their 105-103 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday night. This unexpected move comes in response to the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report, as well as the acknowledgment by game crew chief Ed Malloy that a crucial foul call was incorrectly made. Despite knowing that only six protests have ever been upheld in league history, the Knicks are eager to find a remedy for their recent string of losses and potentially avoid a defeat.
During the final second of the game against the Rockets, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson was called for a foul against Houston’s Aaron Holiday. However, upon review, it became evident that the call was incorrect. According to the Last Two Minute Report, this acknowledgment by the game crew chief further strengthens the Knicks’ case for protesting the outcome. While the hope of the protest is to either receive a tie game with the start of overtime or find another solution that favors the Knicks, it is important to note that a protest must prove the “misapplication” of a rule, rather than simply a missed call. The Knicks will eagerly await the NBA’s decision on their protest.
The Knicks’ decision to file a protest showcases their desperation to turn their luck around. With three consecutive losses and a team plagued by injuries, the organization sees this as an opportunity to potentially change the outcome and regain some momentum. The All-Star Break, which will begin later this week, is expected to provide the team with some much-needed time to recuperate and reset.
Protests in the NBA are rarely upheld, with only six instances of success throughout the league’s history. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, the last time a protest was upheld was on December 19, 2007. In this case, Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal was mistakenly ruled to have six fouls instead of five. The game was eventually resumed on March 8, 2008, but neither team managed to score in the 51.9 seconds that were replayed from overtime, resulting in a 114-111 victory for the Atlanta Hawks. It is crucial to recognize the rarity of successful protests, which adds even more uncertainty to the Knicks’ current situation.
The New York Knicks’ decision to file a protest against the Houston Rockets’ win demonstrates their determination to rectify an incorrect foul call and potentially overturn the outcome of the game. Despite knowing that it is highly unlikely for the protest to be upheld, the Knicks are willing to take their chances in hopes of salvaging their recent losses and making a fresh start after the All-Star Break. The NBA’s decision on the protest will undoubtedly have significant consequences for both teams involved, adding to the already intense atmosphere surrounding the game.
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