NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call in the second half against the Miami Heat during game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2023 in New York City. The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks 108-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
New York Knicks fans were not happy seeing Josh Hart being called for a flagrant 1 foul on a questionable play involving Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
The New York Knicks are fighting for their playoff lives on Wednesday night. They hosted the Miami Heat for Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, down 1-3 in the second round series. So, one more Knicks loss will result in their elimination, preventing them from making the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. New York had very minimal room for error on Wednesday. Unfortunately for them, they were hit with a questionable call.
In the first quarter, guard Josh Hart defended a three-point jump shot by Heat star Jimmy Butler, and was called for a common foul. But, officials convened and decided to review whether or not Hart should be called for a flagrant. When looking at the video, Butler appears to kick his leg outwards and it makes contact with Hart.
Even so, the referees upgraded Hart’s foul to a flagrant.
Knicks fans livid over Josh Hart flagrant foul
This put Hart in early foul trouble, as it was his third of the first quarter.
Let’s take a look at some of the reactions on social media, including from Knicks fans. Let’s just say, they weren’t happy with the call.
Foul aside, there was promise for the Knicks. On the brink of elimination, they entered the locker room with a 50-47 lead at the end of two quarters. With a win, the Knicks send the series back to Miami for Game 6 on Friday.
Officiating in this year’s NBA playoffs has been placed under the proverbial microscope since it began. Now, those critical of the calls have more fuel with this flagrant assessed to Hart.
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