The New York Knicks trailed the Indiana Pacers by a score of 92-77 entering the fourth quarter of Saturday night's Game 6 in Indianapolis.
The game included lots of exciting back-and-forth play between the Eastern Conference's top two teams and plenty of drama including a controversial call that went against the Knicks during a critical juncture in the third quarter.
The play happened as Knicks point guard Miles McBride caught a pass near the left sideline.
McBride drifted toward the corner for a chance at a much-needed three-point shot and managed to get it off in time before an Indiana defender came flying in for a potential block.
It was then that the Knicks' fortunes took a turn for the worse.
McBride of the Knicks drives past the three-point line.
Miles McBride (R) drives against the Pacers during Friday, May 29's game at MSG.
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
McBride was whistled for stepping out of bounds in what appeared at second glance to be a phantom call.
"Deuce McBride did not step out. Refs straight stole 3 from the #Knicks on a fast break," one fan wrote on X with a replay of the call.
"Pretty weird that the announcers didn't say (expletive) when they called that out of bounds," another said.
"Blatantly obvious that he never stepped out lol," they added.
Others question Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau for not challenging the play.
"No challenge or nothing is crazy," one said.
The comments poured in as the Knicks attempted to mount a fourth quarter comeback on the road in hopes of stealing another one like they did in Game 4.
The Knicks trailed by 12 points with just under eight minutes left in Game 6.