Referees acknowledge incorrectly called kicked ball on Pacers late in loss to Knicks
Indiana Pacers' Myles Turner reacts after missing a dunk during the second half of Game 1 in an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, Monday, May 6, 2024, in New York. The Knicks won 121-117. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Frank Franklin II]
NEW YORK (AP) — Referees said they incorrectly called a late kicked ball violation against the Indiana Pacers, who by rule couldn’t challenge the play. Aaron Nesmith appeared to knock away a pass Jalen Brunson was attempting to throw to Donte DiVincenzo with 52 seconds remaining Monday night. The Pacers could have come up with the ball for a steal, but referee Sean Wright said Nesmith hit it with his foot, allowing the Knicks to retain possession. New York took the lead for good 12 seconds later when DiVincenzo made a 3-pointer and won 121-117 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. After the game, crew chief Zach Zarba said the call was incorrect.
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