The Raptors fell 111-109 to the Knicks on Tuesday night, but a critical missed call late in the fourth quarter could have changed the outcome.
With 25 seconds remaining and the Knicks leading 106-105, Carmelo Anthony appeared to step out of bounds (and travel) following an inbounds pass. No call was made and play continued with Anthony passing to Lance Thomas, who was immediately fouled. Thomas made both free throws, and the Knicks held on to win.
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Lead official Ed Malloy acknowledged to a pool reporter after the game that the Raptors should have gotten the ball back, saying he and his crew missed the call.
"When we came in, we reviewed the play, we did see Anthony step out of bounds and should’ve awarded the ball to Toronto," Malloy said. According to NBA rules, officials cannot review whether a player stepped out of bounds.
Raptors coach Dwane Casey and his assistants were animated on the sideline when the play occured, yelling for officials to make the call. After the game, Casey was sympathetic to Malloy and his crew.
"Video showed that (Anthony) stepped out of bounds," he said. "I saw it with my own eyes in front of me. ... It's a tough game to officiate."