On Sunday, the New York Knicks won 94-93 to hold a 3-1 series lead over the Detroit Pistons. Late in the game, the Pistons had a chance to win when Tim Hardaway Jr. attempted a last-second 3-pointer from the left corner. New York forward Josh Hart contested the shot, but had a bit of contact with Hardaway. However, it was a no-call, and the game continued until the final buzzer.
The Pistons were upset about the officiating and demanded answers from the officials. It was confirmed only after both teams had left the court that the referees had made a mistake. Crew chief David Guthrie spoke to the media and confirmed that Hart made contact with the shooter in the final play.
“During live play, it was judged that Josh Hart made a legal defensive play,” Guthrie said via the pool report. “After postgame review, we observed that Hart makes body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr. and a foul should have been called.”
Towns was asked by the media during the Knicks’ postgame news conference what he thought of the foul the officials failed to call. However, the five-time All-Star downplayed it with his answer.
“What you want me to say? Going back to Madison Square Garden happy we got a win. You like that answer? Is that good?” KAT said.
Steve Popper: "Refs now say should've called foul on Josh…Reaction…?"
Jalen Brunson: "I mean. I don't really know what to say to that…"
KAT: "What you want me to say 😆 Going back to Madison Square Garden happy we got a win. You like that answer? Is that good? 👍🏽" pic.twitter.com/Srqwbzn1LL
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 27, 2025
Against Detroit, Towns had 27 points and nine rebounds on 43.5 percent shooting from the field. KAT was reliable from deep as he went 5-for-7. The New York Knicks have the upper hand and have the chance to close the series at Madison Square Garden on Thursday for Game 5.
New York Knicks’ forward had a bold admission about his defensive possession against THJ
Fans were upset with how the officials missed a crucial call in the fourth quarter, which would’ve gone differently for the New York Knicks. After the game, the media rushed to ask Hart about his thoughts on the final play.
“Did I make contact with him? Yeah, I made contact with him. Was it legal? I don’t know! We’ll see in the last two minute report,” Hart told reporters.
Josh Hart on Tim Hardaway Jr.’s potential game-winning shot:
“Did I make contact with him? Yeah, I made contact with him. Was it legal? I don't know. We’ll let the 2-minute report say that.” 🤣
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 27, 2025
Hart snatched his first double-double of the playoffs, with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-foot-5 forward also had five assists and was a menace on the defensive end with his four steals.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
