The Big Lead

NBA refs admit they missed crucial foul call in Knicks' close win over Pistons

The New York Knicks clutched out a crucial NBA Game 4 win against the Detroit Pistons to take a 3-1 lead, but the refs have admitted they missed a crucial call.

By Divij Kulkarni

Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks went up 3-1 in their series against the Detroit Pistons, picking up an incredibly important Game 4 victory on the road. The game was tight till the end, they won 94-93 because the Pistons failed to get a bucket on the crucial final possession.

This was a source of controversy immediately after the game though, as Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff came out onto the court because he thought Tim Hardaway Jr. was fouled. The Pistons man was taking a three in the corner with seconds left on the clock, when Josh Hart made all sorts of contact on him. And while it doesn't change the result, the refs admitted they missed the call.

RELATED: Lakers' JJ Redick rips NBA referees after heartbreaking Game 4 loss to Timberwolves

“During live play, it was judged that Josh Hart made a legal defensive play,” crew chief David Guthrie said in the pool report. “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.”

Hart, the man who initiated the contact and got away with it, called that this would happen too. Speaking after the game, Hart said, "Did I make contact with him? Yeah, I made contact with him. Was it legal? I don't know. Will let the 2-minute report say that."

If the foul had been properly called, Hardaway Jr. would have been sent to the line with less than a second left on the shot clock. This would have led to three free throws, of which he would have only needed to make two to give the Pistons the win.

There is a monumental difference between a series being 3-1 and 2-2. The Knicks are now in the driver's seat moving forward, and this missed foul call seems like it might have cost the Pistons their season.

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