Tom Thibodeau on 76ers-Knicks NBA L2M: I'm More Concerned with '46-Minute Report'
April 24, 2024
There's been much consternation about the officiating in the final two minutes of the New York Knicks' 104-101 playoff win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of the first round on Monday, especially after the NBA's Last Two Minute Report was revealed.
Eliot Shorr-Parks @EliotShorrParksNBA's 2-Minute Report confirms what was obvious watching the game -- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sixers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sixers</a> had the game stolen from them on final inbounding sequence w/bad calls:<br><br>✅Maxey didn't push off<br>✅Brunson fouled Maxey<br>✅Hart fouled Maxey <br>✅Nurse should have been given a timeout <a href="https://twitter.com/ClapYourHandPod?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClapYourHandPod</a>
It's clear the 76ers were on the wrong end of the whistle near the end of the game, but Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is more concerned with the first 46 minutes.
Knicks Videos @sny_knicksTom Thibodeau is asked about the NBA's Last 2 Minute report from Game 2:<br><br>"I'm more concerned with the 46-minute report...I knew they couldn't call a foul there."<br><br>On the Sixers filing a grievance with the league: "I'm locked into Game 3, we don't get sidetracked with that stuff" <a href="https://t.co/bZJyDkEc2B">pic.twitter.com/bZJyDkEc2B</a>
Specifically, he referenced the no-call against 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey when he tried to possess an in-bounds pass after Philadelphia's lead was slashed to 101-99. A turnover eventually led to a Donte DiVincenzo game-winning three with 13 seconds left.
Thibodeau said in particular that he knew a foul wouldn't be called there due to the lack of whistles called against 76ers players defending Knicks star Jalen Brunson throughout the game.
The 76ers were upset enough to file a grievance with the NBA regarding the officiating, but at this point, it's water under the bridge as the team looks to fight back.
Thibodeau noted that he's already looking toward Game 3, which will go down in Philadelphia on Thursday evening.
There are plenty of storylines on both sides as the series shifts to Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid is clearly hampered by a knee injury that kept him out for two months, but he's remarkably averaged 31.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in two games. Outside of Tyrese Maxey, though, the 76ers haven't gotten nearly enough offensive production. The question is whether someone (or multiple players) complement the superstars' efforts.
For the Knicks, the biggest question is whether Brunson can get going. He's shot just 16-of-55 over the past two games, including 2-of-12 from three-point range. Brunson has contributed elsewhere (7.5 RPG, 6.5 APG), but Philadelphia has played exceptional defense on him. If he gets going, this series could end early.
Ultimately, the Knicks and 76ers have played two hard-fought games. Although New York has the 2-0 edge, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Philadelphia knot this one up at two before going back to Madison Square Garden. But a Knicks win on Thursday would mean a 3-0 lead and an all-but-certain victory.
Game 3 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.