Knicks vs 76ers: Ref Explains No-Call Decisions – Jan 24, 2026

A late-game sequence of non-calls during the January 24, 2026, contest between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers has drawn scrutiny, as revealed in a pool report interview with Crew Chief Tony Brothers following the game.

Key Moments Under Review

The interview, conducted by Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia, focused on several instances in the final ten seconds of the game where potential fouls were not signaled. A successful challenge by the 76ers overturned a defensive foul called on Paul George with 9.9 seconds remaining. However, questions arose regarding a possible proximate foul committed by Joel Embiid on Landry Shamet during the same play.

No Proximate Foul Observed

According to Crew Chief Brothers, officials did not observe any proximate foul committed by Embiid on Shamet. Brothers stated, “On the play with the drive to the basket, George is vertical on the play. We did not observe any proximate foul.”

Intentional Foul Attempts

Further inquiries centered on potential intentional fouls. Levick questioned Brothers about an apparent attempt by Shamet to foul Tyrese Maxey with approximately seven seconds left, and a similar attempt by Jalen Brunson on Embiid with roughly two seconds remaining. In both instances, no foul was called.

Officials Saw No Illegal Contact

Brothers consistently responded that officials “did not observe any illegal contact on the play” in either situation. This explanation was provided for both the Shamet-Maxey and Brunson-Embiid interactions.

Did You Know? The pool report interview took place following a game between the Knicks and the 76ers on January 24, 2026.

Expert Insight: The absence of called fouls in late-game situations, particularly those appearing intentional, often sparks debate about officiating consistency and the impact on game outcomes. The crew chief’s explanation centers on the officials’ perspective – what they *did* and *did not* observe in real-time – which is the basis for all in-game decisions.

Looking Ahead

The decisions made by the officiating crew could influence future game management by teams. Opponents may be more likely to attempt quick fouls in late-game scenarios, hoping to disrupt the opposing team’s momentum. Officials may also be more closely scrutinized for potential contact during similar plays in upcoming games. It is possible that the league could review the footage and provide further guidance to officials regarding intentional foul recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the date of the game in question?

The game took place on January 24, 2026.

Who conducted the pool report interview?

Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia conducted the interview.

What was the role of Tony Brothers in this situation?

Tony Brothers was the Crew Chief for the game and provided explanations for the non-calls.

How might teams adjust their strategies in light of these non-calls?