The ongoing Eastern Conference semifinals between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks has taken a contentious turn after the Sixers alleged that they were wrongfully denied a timeout in the dying seconds of Game 2.
With the Knicks leading 104-101 and the Sixers desperately needing a score to tie the game, coach Nick Nurse signaled for a timeout. However, the referees seemingly ignored his request, allowing the Knicks to run out the clock and secure the victory.
Nurse vehemently protested the decision, claiming that the referee made direct eye contact with him but chose not to grant the timeout. This incident has ignited a debate about the competence and impartiality of the officiating crew.
Adding to the drama of the game’s conclusion, the Knicks had staged a remarkable comeback in the final 30 seconds. Trailing by five points, Jalen Brunson drained a crucial three-pointer, followed by Isaiah Hartenstein grabbing the offensive rebound and assisting Donte DiVincenzo for the go-ahead three-pointer, sending the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy.
Despite Embiid’s valiant effort of 34 points and Maxey’s 35, the Sixers were unable to overcome the Knicks’ late surge. The series now shifts to Philadelphia with the Knicks holding a commanding 2-0 lead, putting the Sixers on the brink of elimination.
