New York Knicks fans were not happy seeing Josh Hart being called for a flagrant 1 foul on a questionable play involving Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
The New York Knicks are fighting for their playoff lives on Wednesday night. They hosted the Miami Heat for Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, down 1-3 in the second round series. So, one more Knicks loss will result in their elimination, preventing them from making the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. New York had very minimal room for error on Wednesday. Unfortunately for them, they were hit with a questionable call.
In the first quarter, guard Josh Hart defended a three-point jump shot by Heat star Jimmy Butler, and was called for a common foul. But, officials convened and decided to review whether or not Hart should be called for a flagrant. When looking at the video, Butler appears to kick his leg outwards and it makes contact with Hart.
Even so, the referees upgraded Hart’s foul to a flagrant.
Josh Hart was called for a flagrant one on this play
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 11, 2023
He had 3 fouls in the first quarter 😳 pic.twitter.com/HIsj0Q6rHt
Knicks fans livid over Josh Hart flagrant foul
This put Hart in early foul trouble, as it was his third of the first quarter.
Let’s take a look at some of the reactions on social media, including from Knicks fans. Let’s just say, they weren’t happy with the call.
A flagrant 1 on Josh Hart. Three shots for Jimmy and the ball. Who wouldn’t wanna spend May in Miami, i get it zebras.
— Kazeem Famuyide 🇳🇬 🍎 (@Kazeem) May 10, 2023
What is the NBA doing? Absurdity.
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 11, 2023
That Josh Hart play is a flagrant foul? How is this reality? Anthony Mason is rolling in his grave right now, while Larry Bird is shaking his head furiously. #Knicks
Josh Hart flagrant is egregious. what is that call lmao
— Ryan Sierocki (@Sakahachi_17) May 11, 2023
Jimmy Butler kicks his leg out and Josh Hart is called for a flagrant foul.
— Kyle Newman (@NewmanNYsports) May 11, 2023
Knicks have been called for 9 first quarter fouls.
This crew needs to be investigated.
Where is Josh Hart suppose to land here to contest the shot if this is a flagrant? Genuine question https://t.co/4bLW7VGI8c
— Fitzmagic13 (@fitzmagic13) May 11, 2023
The NBA should fold if they're going to call that a Flagrant Foul on Josh Hart. Why are we doing this?
— Pat Gallen (@PatGallenCBS3) May 11, 2023
flagrant on Josh Hart because Jimmy kicked his leg out. absolute trash can refereeing
— Matthew (@MatthewR2415) May 11, 2023
Foul aside, there was promise for the Knicks. On the brink of elimination, they entered the locker room with a 50-47 lead at the end of two quarters. With a win, the Knicks send the series back to Miami for Game 6 on Friday.
Officiating in this year’s NBA playoffs has been placed under the proverbial microscope since it began. Now, those critical of the calls have more fuel with this flagrant assessed to Hart.