Report: Knicks file protest after ref botches Brunson foul

The Knicks are filing a protest with the NBA regarding the controversial end to their 105-103 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Crew chief Ed Malloy admitted postgame game that the foul called on Knicks star Jalen Brunson was erroneous and should not have resulted in Houston's game-winning free throws.

With 0.1 seconds left in the tied contest, referees called Brunson for a foul on Aaron Holiday as the Rockets guard attempted a 3-pointer. Holiday went to the free-throw line and converted two of the three shots to win the game.

"After seeing it during postgame review, the offensive player was able to return to a normal playing position on the floor," Malloy said, according to The Athletic's Fred Katz. "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."

Teams have 48 hours following the conclusion of a game to file a protest.

Brunson had made a step-back shot to tie up the contest on the prior possession.

When asked about the foul three times postgame, Brunson responded with, "Great call. Next question," on each occasion, according to Katz.

Knicks wing Josh Hart appeared to react to Malloy's comments on social media.

Forward Precious Achiuwa also appeared to comment on the result of the game.

The Knicks dropped to 33-21 with the loss. They face the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.