Officials acknowledge incorrect call in Knicks-Rockets game-ending

In Monday’s game between the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets, the Knicks managed to stage a comeback to tie the score at 103. However, a critical moment unfolded when, after a scramble play, Jalen Brunson was called for a foul against Aaron Holiday. Holiday subsequently made two of three free throws, securing a 105-103 victory for the Rockets.

The issue arose as the foul on Brunson, upon postgame review, was acknowledged by Crew Chief Ed Malloy to be a mistake. Malloy admitted in a postgame pool report interview that although it appeared to be illegal lower-body contact during live action, a review revealed that this wasn’t the case.

“After seeing it during postgame review, the offensive player was able to return to a normal playing position on the floor. The contact which occurred after the release of the ball therefore is incidental and marginal to the shot attempt and should not have been called,” Malloy said.