Ahead of Game 4, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau criticized officiating that has led to Jalen Brunson’s foul troubles, stating that many calls are subjective and “50/50.” He noted that Brunson has faced challenges in previous games, including picking up four fouls in the first half of Game 3 and fouling out in a prior series. Thibodeau was particularly frustrated with a blocking call against Brunson in Game 3 that he challenged, which was upheld. He emphasized his long experience in the league and shared his perspective on what constitutes a charge.
INDIANAPOLIS — Let the gamesmanship surrounding officiating commence.
As Game 4 approaches on Tuesday night, Tom Thibodeau has voiced his concerns regarding the fouls that are causing issues for Jalen Brunson.
“Some of these calls are 50/50 and could go either way. I’m watching him take charges, and yet he’s being called for blocks,” the Knicks coach remarked. “Regardless of what the officials say, I’ve followed this league closely for years, and I know what a charge looks like.”
In the Knicks’ Game 3 win, Brunson found himself facing significant foul trouble, accumulating four fouls in the first half.
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He also faced five fouls in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals and fouled out in Game 5 against the Celtics in the previous playoff round.
Thibodeau expressed frustration over a blocking call against Brunson in Game 3, which he chose to challenge.
Unfortunately, the call remained unchanged.
“You issue a challenge, and they still insist … I’ll leave it at that,” he stated.