Referee admits mistake in final Knicks-Rockets game possession / News - Basketnews.com

Jalen Brunson was called for a last-second foul that decided the game. The leading referee of the game later admitted the foul should not have been called.

Credit: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Carmen Mandato/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

Jalen Brunson was called for a controversial foul in the final possession of Monday night's game between the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets that ultimately decided the contest. The lead referee admitted the decision was wrong.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Amen Thompson Points 8 Accuracy 4-5 Rebounds 13 Assists 5

With the score tied at 103, the Rockets had the last possession. Jalen Green's layup was blocked by Precious Achiuwa, but Aaron Holiday rebounded the ball and sent a heave toward the basket from way beyond the three-point line.

The shot was no good, but a whistle sounded after the horn, signaling a foul by Brunson against Holiday. Holiday made two of the three free throws and decided the game.

"In live action, it was felt that the lower body contact was illegal contact," Crew Chief Ed Malloy said in a Pool Report post-game.

After further review, it was determined it was a bad call, which decided the game.

"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 admitted.

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