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The Philadelphia 76ers plan to file a grievance over the officiating through the first two games of their first-round series against the New York Knicks, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
After Monday’s loss in Game 2, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said the officials ignored his request for a timeout before New York forced a turnover and Donte DiVincenzo hit a go-ahead three in the final seconds. That three-pointer ended up being the decider in the loss.
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“The first thing is, obviously they score, we take a look at getting it in quick, we don’t get it in quick, I call a timeout,” Nurse said. “Referee looked right at me, ignored me, went into Tyrese (Maxey), I called a timeout again, then the melee started. I mean, I guess I’ve got to run out on the floor or do something to make sure I get his attention, but I needed a timeout there to advance it. Would’ve been good, but I didn’t get it.”
Nurse said after the game that he checked the film to ensure he was calling a timeout on the play.
“I just watched the film just to make sure,” Nurse said. “I’m clearly calling timeout, I didn’t see if he looked at me in the film, but I can see it shows me calling timeout—twice.”
Aside from the controversial final moments in Game 2, officiating has appeared to be somewhat even on paper. In Game 1, the 76ers were called for 21 personal fouls and attempted 22 free throws while the Knicks were called for 18 personal fouls and attempted 28 free throws. On Monday, Philadelphia picked up 21 personal fouls and shot 22 free throws and New York had 17 personal fouls and shot 23 free throws.
For now, the 76ers will look to get back into the series after dropping the first two games. Star center Joel Embiid has faith that his squad will overcome the deficit.
“We’re gonna win this series. We’re gonna win this,” Embiid said after the loss. “We know what we’ve got to fix. We did a better job today, so we’re gonna fix it. We’re the better team and we’re gonna keep fighting.”
The Knicks will travel to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET.