“NBA Rigged?”: Knicks Fans Fume Over Back-to-Back Officiating Blunders
What started as a hard-fought playoff battle between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers has spiraled into a full-blown controversy — and fans are calling foul.
In Game 4, with tensions already high, Knicks forward OG Anunoby was shoved off the court by Pascal Siakam in a rebounding battle. Shockingly, no whistle was blown. Just moments later, the Knicks were hit with four fouls in the span of 17 seconds. Social media erupted. Fans didn’t hold back, tossing around words like “rigged” and accusing the referees of swinging momentum in favor of the Pacers.
To make matters worse for Knicks supporters, this wasn’t the first time the officiating raised eyebrows.
Game 1: Déjà Vu All Over Again
Rewind to Game 1 — a similar drama unfolded in the final seconds of regulation. A crucial foul on Siakam, initially called in favor of the Knicks, was overturned after review. That single decision gave Indiana the ball back, leading to a clutch three-pointer and an eventual game-tying shot by Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers forced overtime and walked away with a dramatic 138–135 win.
“Let Them Play” or Just Plain Bias?
Whether you’re a Knicks diehard or a neutral observer, one thing’s clear: this series has become just as much about the referees as the players. Fans, former pros, and analysts alike are calling for greater accountability and consistency from NBA officials.
The Pacers now hold a 3-1 series lead, and while their on-court performances — especially Haliburton’s triple-double in Game 4 — deserve credit, the controversy surrounding officiating continues to cast a shadow over the playoffs.