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NBA Referee Admits To Huge Mistake In Knicks-Pistons Game 4

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By James Parker | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 7:57 PM ET

The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons found themselves matched up in a thrilling Game 4 on Sunday in Detroit. Following the intense finish that saw the Knicks secure a 94-93 victory and take a 3-1 lead, referee David Guthrie admitted to a huge missed call in the final seconds.

As the fourth quarter expired, Tim Hardaway Jr. attempted a last-second heave from deep to win the game, as New York’s Josh Hart contested the shot. Hart appeared to bump into Hardaway on the final shot attempt, but no foul was called.

Did Tim Hardaway Jr. get fouled ? pic.twitter.com/HdhgVmYdzf

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 27, 2025

Following the miss and subsequent Pistons loss, Guthrie was asked about the final shot attempt.

“During live play, it was judged that Josh Hart made a legal defensive play. After postgame review, we observed that Hart makes body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr. and a foul should have been called,” Guthrie said.

The Pistons can’t do anything about it now as the game has already come and gone. While the Pistons missed on their other opportunities to tie or take the lead, it’s never good for an officiating mistake to be a deciding factor in a playoff game.

The Pistons will now travel back to New York for Game 5, where they hope to begin a 3-1 comeback.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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