The New York Knicks narrowly defeated the Dallas Mavericks 113-111 in a game that sparked controversy over a controversial offensive foul call in the closing moments. The call on Brandon Williams, which was reviewed and upheld, added to the debate. The Knicks’ victory improved their record to 9-5, while the Mavericks fell to 4-12.
The final seconds of the game came under scrutiny as Mavericks point guard Brandon Williams received the ball at halfcourt with just three seconds remaining. He drove toward the basket with Knicks guard Landry Shamet on his hip, maneuvering around the defender before attempting a shot. The crowd initially believed the play would result in a game-tying basket, but the officiating crew called an offensive foul on Williams, citing an illegal arm movement.
The NBA official’s review of the play confirmed that Williams had hooked his arm around the Knicks defender, with the replay clearly showing the action. Despite the decision, fans and analysts debated whether the call was justified, with the game’s outcome being heavily influenced by this moment.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau and star player Jalen Brunson both commented on the situation. Brunson, who returned to the floor after missing two games due to an ankle sprain, acknowledged the chaos of the final moments but emphasized the team’s ability to ‘find a way to win.’ He noted that the win, while ‘ugly,’ demonstrated the Knicks’ determination.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, while Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart each scored 16 points. The Mavericks were led by Naji Marshall with 23 points off the bench, and Klay Thompson contributed 13 points.
The game’s outcome highlights the importance of officiating in high-stakes moments and the potential for a single call to shape the result of a tightly contested match. As the Knicks continue their season, the debate over the foul will likely linger among fans and pundits alike.