Jalen Brunson addresses controversial foul call vs. Rockets

The game should have gone to overtime, but Houston was instead handed the win. Brunson was asked multiple questions about the foul call after the game, and he repeated the same four-word response: “Great call, next question.”

Brunson obviously had no interest in drawing a fine for criticizing the officiating crew, though it would have been warranted. Even referee Ed Malloy admitted that the call was incorrect.

“After seeing it during postgame review, the offensive player was able to return to a normal playing position on the floor. 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,” Malloy said.

Bad calls happen, and the Knicks were on the wrong end of one this time. While it would have been understandable if Brunson expressed his frustration, he probably knew the replays spoke for themselves.

Brunson led New York with 27 points and seven assists in the loss. The Knicks fell to 33-21 with the loss and have a half-game lead over the Philadelphia 76ers for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.