Rockets win after foul that 'should not have been called' - ESPN

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 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.»

Holiday made the first two free throws before missing the third intentionally to run out the clock.

Brunson was asked about what he thought of the foul three different times and answered with the same four words each time.

«Great call,» he said. «Next question.»

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was asked about the game's ending.

«Tough way to lose a game,» he said twice in a row.

Thibodeau