Apr 29, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) argues with an official in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Knicks Don't Blame Officials for Game 5 Predicament

Originally posted on New York Knicks on SI
By Geoff Maggliocchetti | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 2:30 PM ET

Unlike superfan Ben Stiller in his hit film "Madagascar," the New York Knicks aren't blaming any zebras for their current predicament.

Officiating controversies have taken center stage in the ongoing Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Detroit Pistons But the Knicks appear to be seeking answers not from the upcoming Last Two-Minute Report but from their own game film from the 106-103 defeat in Game 5 on Tuesday night, which they labeled untainted by whistles despite some calls clearly working against them.

"It didn't change the fact that we didn't do our part," Karl-Anthony Towns said in the aftermath in video from SNY. "If we do our part, we have a different combo."

"It didn't change the fact that we didn't do our part."

Karl-Anthony Towns was asked what he thought of the officiating tonight: pic.twitter.com/OaKBeXEjMD
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 30, 2025

Supporters from both sides have accused officials of favoring the opponent throughout the best-of-seven series, which currently has the Knicks holding a 3-2 lead despite Tuesday's defeat.

Knicks fans let officials have it throughout Tuesday's game as several dubious calls interrupted the joyfully raucous atmosphere.

OG Anunoby appeared to be charged with a foul while adjusting his shoe, a potential missed goaltending call on Tobias Harris led to an and-one, and tensions fully boiled over when a double-dribble against Cade Cunningham went unchecked. The Knicks, in fact, took the punishment on that final call, as Jalen Brunson was charged with a technical after he admonished officials for their mistake.

Despite its win, Detroit was not immune from the continued controversies: the Knicks tied the game early in the fourth when Towns hit not only free throws awarded from a Harris shooting foul but also the technical tally obtained when Pistons boss JB Bickerstaff argued with officials for upholding that very call after a challenge.

"We've got to go out there and compete, we've got to go out there and be physical, not worry about the foul calls or refs or anything like that. We've got to make sure we can control what we can control."

Josh Hart on the message going into Game 6: pic.twitter.com/q9QEqMsSM2
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 30, 2025

But the Knicks know that keeping their cool and keeping their focus on their fate and attitude will be the key to keeping their lead against both the Pistons and the NBA's eye on the sky and the floor.

"We've got to go out there and compete, we've got to go out there and be physical, not worry about the foul calls or refs or anything like that," Josh Hart said of the team mindset entering Game 6 in video from SNY. "We've got to make sure we can control what we can control and that's our reaction to the things we can't control."

This article first appeared on New York Knicks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: