A disputed foul on New York guard Jalen Brunson, a call that crew chief Ed Malloy later said « should not have been called, » helped lift the Rockets to a 105-103 victory over the Knicks on Monday night, snapping Houston’s four-game losing streak.
HOUSTON — The Rockets picked up a victory after a call the officials said was wrong.
Aaron Holiday had 18 points, capped by two free throws after a disputed foul call on Jalen Brunson behind the 3-point line, lifting the Rockets to a 105-103 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Houston had a four-point lead with less than a minute to go before Brunson tallied the next four points, capped by a jump shot with 8.1 seconds left to tie the score at 103.
New York’s Precious Achiuwa then blocked a short shot by Jalen Green, and Holiday grabbed the ball beyond the arc and shot it as Brunson rushed out at him and was called for a foul.
After the game, crew chief Ed Malloy said that in live action the referees believed « the lower body contact was illegal contact. » But their opinion changed following a replay review.
« After seeing it during postgame review, the offensive player was able to return to a normal playing position on the floor, » Malloy said. « The contact which occurred after the release of the ball therefore is incidental and marginal to the shot attempt and should not have been called. »
Holiday was asked about the play before Malloy’s comments.
« I just tried to get the ball and get a shot up, » Holiday said. « I saw him tip it, and it came close to me, so I just tried to get it and tried to make a 3, and Jalen just ran into my chest.
