The NBA has sparked controversy by denying the New York Knicks' protest following a contentious last-second loss to the Houston Rockets on February 12. Official Ed Malloy acknowledged that a crucial foul call made against Knicks guard Jalen Brunson with 0.3 seconds on the clock should not have been called. Despite this admission, the league dismissed the Knicks' protest, maintaining the Rockets' 105-103 victory.

In a rare move, only six protests have been upheld in NBA history. The Knicks were deadlocked with the Rockets at 103-103 and poised for a potential game-winning shot when Brunson was wrongly whistled for a contact foul. Aaron Holiday capitalized on the free throws granted by the erroneous call, securing the win for the Rockets.

The decision has left fans outraged, with many expressing indignation and accusing the league of bias. Referee Malloy clarified post-game that upon review, the foul call was a mistake as the offensive player had been able to resume a normal playing position. The NBA's denial of the Knicks' protest has reignited debates about officiating standards and transparency within the league.