The recent clash between the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets concluded in controversy. As the game remained tied at 103 during the final moments, Houston had possession and an opportunity to secure the win. Jalen Green drove baseline but was met with a crucial block from Precious Achiuwa. The loose ball ended up with Aaron Holiday, positioned for a long-range shot on the weak side. Jalen Brunson sprinted to contest the three-pointer, and as Holiday missed, the buzzer signaled the end of regulation. However, the arena was filled with whistles indicating a foul on Brunson. This controversial call led to the Rockets winning the game 105-103.
The post-game atmosphere heated up as Brunson seemed reluctant to share his true thoughts on the game. When questioned about the final play, Brunson swiftly responded, “Great call. Next question,” cutting off the reporter even before the question could be completed.
Jalen Brunson: "Great call. Next question." pic.twitter.com/E00zZQRXKg
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 13, 2024
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Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau also opted not to criticize the officiating directly. Displaying his frustration, he adopted a sarcastic tone. When questioned about the legitimacy of the foul on Jalen Brunson, he quipped, “You saw it.” Further probed about the officiating, he dryly remarked, “It was great. Great.”
Tom Thibodeau on if he thought that was a foul on Brunson: "You saw it."
Thibs on what he thought of the officiating tonight: "It was great. Great."
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) February 13, 2024
Describing the turn of events as a “tough way to lose the game,” Tom Thibodeau reflected on the match, acknowledging the high number of turnovers from his team. However, he emphasized that upon reviewing the film, some of the turnovers can be seen to involve contact. Despite the observation, he expressed his feelings about officiating, asserting that the consistency should remain unchanged throughout the matchup. Unperturbed by the game’s intensity, Tom commented on the officials’ judgments, choosing to respect them and accept the outcome of the game.
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Josh Hart mimics Jalen Brunson and Tom’s approach
When questioned about Jalen Brunson’s call in the game, Josh Hart promptly replied with a nonchalant “I don’t know.” However, he then turned the tables, throwing the question back at the interviewer, humorously asking, “What you think?”
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The reporter shared their opinion that they didn’t consider it a good call. In response, Hart concluded his answer, playfully suggesting to the interviewer to make a note of that sentiment for their publication.
A reporter asked Josh Hart if he agreed with Brunson that it was a great call.
"I don’t know," Hart said. "What you think?"
The reporter responded, "I didn't think it was."
"Alright, well," Hart said. "Just know I want you to write that." https://t.co/YyYPCu5QnF
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) February 13, 2024
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Trailing by more than 10 points at halftime, the Knicks restricted the Rockets to 17 points in the third. They then delivered their best scoring in the fourth. However, Jalen’s foul awarded three free throws to the Rockets with 0.3 seconds left on the clock.
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