Philadelphia 76ers set to lodge grievance over officiating in opening series games against Knicks

Earlier on Tuesday Philadelphia 76ers intended to file a grievance about the refereeing during their series against the New York Knicks, a team spokesperson stated. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers lost the game as the New York Knicks defeated them by 104-101. Joel Embiid said Maxey was fouled, and that coach Nick Nurse and several players tried to call a timeout before the Knicks retrieved the ball.

When only 13 seconds were left in the game Donte DiVincenzo scored a three-pointer to help his team take a lead of 2-0 in the playoff series. As Tyrese Maxey stole the ball he passed it to Donte DiVincenzo as he could not make a run, surrounded by Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson.

According to Bleacher Report Philadelphia 76ers Nick Nurse stated that "The first thing is, obviously they score, we take a look at getting it in quick, we don't get it in quick, I call a timeout," Nurse said. "Referee looked right at me, ignored me, went into Tyrese (Maxey), I called a timeout again, then the melee started. I mean, I guess I've got to run out on the floor or do something to make sure I get his attention, but I needed a timeout there to advance it. Would've been good, but I didn't get it."

NBA dismissed the objection

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks appealed their February 12 loss in Houston after officials ruled that a foul on Brunson that led to the winning free throws should not have been called. The NBA dismissed the objection, stating that a referee error was not grounds for overturning a decision. During the playoffs, the Knicks started providing breakdowns of that night's officials in their game notes, including their record with the official data on the number of violations they called and how often their calls were opposed.

The third game is scheduled for Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Centre in Philadelphia.