The New York Knicks are facing elimination in Game 5 on Wednesday night against the Miami Heat. New York got off to a bad start to the game, and a controversial flagrant foul against the Knicks caused some debate around the NBA world.
The play occurred in the first quarter on a jump shot from Heat star Jimmy Butler.
Knicks forward Josh Hart went up to contest a three-point attempt from Butler but was called for a flagrant foul for failing to give Butler any room to land.
Josh Hart was called for a flagrant one on this play
He had 3 fouls in the first quarter 😳 pic.twitter.com/HIsj0Q6rHt
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 11, 2023
The play was reviewed and it ultimately remained a flagrant foul, but the instant replay seemed to show that Butler may have kicked his foot out to initiate the contact.
TNT’s Jim Jackson discussed the play, saying that he thought the call should be reversed.
“They may reverse this,” said Jackson. “I don’t know if that’s a natural motion by Jimmy. Watch the kick right there, that causes the contact so this call may be reversed.”
Even though the call ultimately wasn’t reversed, many around the NBA world agreed with Jackson and thought that this call should have been overturned.
What is the NBA doing? Absurdity.
That Josh Hart play is a flagrant foul? How is this reality? Anthony Mason is rolling in his grave right now, while Larry Bird is shaking his head furiously. #Knicks
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 11, 2023
Josh Hart flagrant is egregious. what is that call lmao
— Ryan Sierocki (@Sakahachi_17) May 11, 2023
https://twitter.com/e90332819/status/1656450744793591808
https://twitter.com/Wizofhoops/status/1656449460379975689
Jimmy Butler kicks his leg out and Josh Hart is called for a flagrant foul.
Knicks have been called for 9 first quarter fouls.
This crew needs to be investigated.
— Kyle Newman (@NewmanNYsports) May 11, 2023
Where is Josh Hart suppose to land here to contest the shot if this is a flagrant? Genuine question https://t.co/4bLW7VGI8c
— Fitzmagic13 (@fitzmagic13) May 11, 2023
It definitely looked like Butler kicked his leg out. Whether or not it was intentional to draw the foul is certainly up for debate.
Regardless, it was a costly foul for the Knicks. It was Hart’s third foul in just the first quarter, which caused him to miss the majority of the first half.
[Bleacher Report on Twitter] Photo Credit: TNT
