In a thrilling Game 4 between the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons, the outcome was overshadowed by controversy over officiating decisions. The game, held at Little Caesars Arena, saw the Knicks narrowly win 94-93, but not without heated discussions about crucial calls in the final moments.
The spotlight was on a missed foul call involving Josh Hart and Tim Hardaway Jr. As Hardaway attempted a potential game-winning three-pointer, Hart contested the shot and made contact. Many believed Hart should have been penalized, giving Hardaway three free throws with just over a second left. Hardaway needed to make two to take the lead or one to tie the game. After the game, crew chief David Guthrie acknowledged that Hart’s closeout on Hardaway warranted a foul call.
However, the Knicks’ fans also raised concerns about a play involving Tobias Harris, who they argued had fouled Hart on a rebound just before Hardaway’s shot. Harris was accused of hooking Hart’s arm, preventing him from securing the ball. Despite these claims, the NBA’s "Last Two Minute Report" stated that the decision not to call a foul on Harris was correct, noting that the two players briefly engaged before disengaging during the rebound.
Both Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Hardaway expressed their frustrations over the missed call on Hart. Bickerstaff emphasized that there was clear contact on Hardaway’s jump shot, stating, "The guy leaves his feet, he’s at Timmy’s mercy." Meanwhile, Hardaway described the situation as "blatant."
This isn’t the first time Hart has been at the center of controversy in this playoff series. Earlier, during Game 2, he had a dunk that tied the game, but a foul was not called when Jalen Duren hit him on the head. The NBA later admitted that Duren should have been penalized for that play as well.
After the game, Hart reflected on the missed calls, noting that such situations happen frequently in close games. "Sometimes it benefits us, sometimes it doesn’t," he said, acknowledging the unpredictability of officiating.
As the series continues, both teams will likely keep a close eye on how officiating decisions influence the outcomes of crucial moments. The Knicks and Pistons are set to face off again, with fans eager to see if these controversies will be resolved on the court.