Controversial Foul Ruled Incorrect as Rockets Survive Second Half Collapse vs. Knicks
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets ended their season-long four-game losing streak Monday night during a 105-103 victory over the New York Knicks. However, the Rockets' win came with controversy.
With the game tied at 103, the Rockets had the ball during the final eight seconds of the fourth quarter. Jalen Green missed a game-winning layup attempt after Precious Achiuwa's block.
The ball sailed to Aaron Holiday, who threw up a prayer with 0.3 seconds left on the game clock. Jalen Brunson contested Holiday's shot, which led to officials calling a shooting foul.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) fouls Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday (0) on a play in the final moments of the fourth quarter at Toyota Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The late-game penalty led to Holiday nailing two game-winning free throws. However, after the game, crew chief Ed Malloy admitted that the foul called on Brunson was incorrect.
"After seeing it during postgame review, the offensive player was able to return to a normal playing position on the floor," Malloy said. "Therefore, the contact which occurred after the ball's release is incidental and marginal to the shot attempt and should not have been called."
Malloy said in live action, it felt that Brunson's contact with Holiday was illegal. While the Knicks left the Toyota Center furious, the Rockets departed their homecourt delighted to have ended their respective losing streak.
Holiday's game-winning free throws capped off one of his best performances of the season. He scored 13 of his 18 points during the second half.
The Rockets needed Holiday's production off the bench after Brunson nearly led the Knicks to a comeback victory.
After a horrific first half that featured the Knicks trailing by 16, Brunson scored 20 of his 27 points during the second half. He made a contested layup that tied the game at 103. Brunson's play led to the Knicks outscoring the Rockets 60-48 during the second half.
"I tried to get the ball and get a shot off," Holiday said. "I saw him tip it, and it came close to me, so I just tried to get it and try and make a three. Jalen just ran into my chest, and they called a foul."
