The Philadelphia 76ers had Game 2 in their grasp. Tyrese Maxey drilled a 3-pointer to put Philadelphia up 100-96 to silence Madison Square Garden, and it appeared the Sixers would even the series.
Then, the Sixers had trouble getting the ball inbounds. It appeared Maxey was fouled by Knicks star Jalen Brunson, but there was no call, and Philadelphia ended up turning the ball over. That led to New York’s Donte DiVincenzo knocking down a 3 to give the Knicks the lead for good with 13.0 seconds left. The Sixers fell, 104-101, and are down 2-0 in the series.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, a known Knicks fan, defended Maxey and the Sixers after the Game 2 loss and blasted the officiating:
I saw Tyrese Maxey get mugged if I’m being totally honest. He got fouled at least two or three (times). There’s no reason on Earth why that call shouldn’t have been made. It wasn’t made, unfortunately for the Sixers. If you’re a New York Knicks fan, it’s not unfortunate. Donte DiVincenzo got another opportunity, he took advantage of it, and the New York Knicks are up 2-0.
Stephen A. Smith provides his perspective on the end of the Knicks-Sixers game from his courtside seat at Madison Square Garden.
"I saw Tyrese Maxey get mugged if I'm being totally honest. He got fouled at least two or three teams. There's no reason on Earth why that call… pic.twitter.com/lVlG89INMJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 23, 2024
It’s extremely unfortunate for the Sixers, but the Knicks did what they were supposed to do, which is win two games at home. The Sixers must do the same thing when the series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Thursday.
[lawrence-related id=94136,94133,94130]