New York Knicks guard Josh Hart shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner defends during Game 3 of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Knicks star complains about officiating in Game 3 loss

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated May 11, 2024 12:47 AM ET

New York Knicks forward Josh Hart felt the referees missed a crucial call late in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers just barely edged out the Knicks 111-106 in the final minutes at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Andrew Nembhard, who was the most ineffective Pacer all night, sank the go-ahead three-pointer to prevent Indiana from falling into a 0-3 hole in the series (video here).

A few possessions before Nembhard’s heroics, the Knicks had a golden opportunity to take the lead late with the score tied at 102. With just over two minutes left in the contest, the Knicks managed to force a live-ball turnover. But Hart had his fastbreak layup swatted off the glass by Pacers center Myles Turner.

WHAT A SEQUENCE!

Knicks steal. Pacers block. Pacers bucket.

2-point game with under 2 to go on ESPN pic.twitter.com/3cRAgS4aWZ

— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2024

Was this a goaltend on Myles Turner late in the 4th quarter? pic.twitter.com/ninLPS0b0M

— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) May 11, 2024

The referees felt like it was a clean block, but Hart felt otherwise.

“I know it was a goaltend. I saw it,” Hart told reporters after the game. “What time was that? When I saw it, it was a goaltend. But obviously, they didn’t call it.”

"I know it was a goaltend. I saw it."

– Josh Hart on Myles Turner's block on his layup attempt with two minutes left pic.twitter.com/VZN4F9vMxI

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 11, 2024

A goaltending call would have given the Knicks a two-point lead heading into the closing minutes. Instead, the Pacers immediately scored on the other end to take a 104-102 lead.

Hart finished the contest with 10 points and a game-high 18 rebounds over 43 minutes of action.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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