Kofi Inkoom
The Indiana Pacers may find little solace in their 121-117 loss to the New York Knicks in Monday’s Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, but they do have a valid reason to lament.
Referee Zach Zarba admitted that the officiating crew erred critically in the final minute with the game tied at 115. Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith was penalized for a kicked ball violation, nullifying a steal and allowing the Knicks to retain possession, leading to Donte DiVincenzo’s go-ahead three-pointer.
It appears Indiana should have possessed the ball:
“Unfortunately, a kicked ball violation cannot be reviewed,” Zarba acknowledged. “A kicked ball is not reviewable and not subject to a coach’s challenge. The three things that teams can challenge are fouls, goaltends, and out of bounds.”
Though the officials’ mistake could have altered the outcome of the game and possibly the series, Indiana still had a chance to seize victory. They narrowed the margin to one point with a basket from Pascal Siakam and then forced a turnover.
However, Myles Turner was called for an offensive foul while setting a screen with 12 seconds remaining. When the Pacers regained possession, they faced a four-point deficit following three free throws from Jalen Brunson.
“I don’t want to talk about the officiating,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed to reporters after the defeat. “We’re not expecting to get calls in here. It’d be nice if they laid off that one, but they didn’t. So, that’s just the way it goes.”
“We’re not expecting to get calls in here. It would be nice if they laid off that one but they didn’t. That’s just the way it goes.”
Pacers HC Rick Carlisle on Myles Turner’s moving screen in the 4th quarter of Game 1 pic.twitter.com/oiXwHT7cxs
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 7, 2024
At least the Pacers were permitted to challenge the Turner foul, albeit unsuccessfully. They could view this situation optimistically and acknowledge that they were just a questionable call or two away from snatching a road victory, even with Brunson’s impressive performance of 43 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Perhaps Brunson’s effectiveness will diminish slightly in future games. Or maybe the officiating won’t be as prominent of a narrative. Despite not appearing overmatched, Indiana can still make this series competitive, though thoughts of the officiating are likely to linger until they return to the court for Game 2 this Wednesday.