Tom Thibodeau hasn’t changed his mind after having the chance to review replays of the decisive foul called on Julius Randle in the closing seconds of Sunday’s overtime loss to the 76ers.
“I’ll let you guys determine that,” Thibodeau told reporters after practice Monday.
Following the game, Thibodeau had said the game-turning call — a loose-ball foul on Randle while going for a rebound to set up the go-ahead free throws by Tobias Harris — was “marginal contact.”
Randle used far stronger terms, calling the play a “blown call” and “f—— ridiculous” in a brief postgame tirade.
Referee Courtney Kirkland also told a pool reporter after the game that Thibodeau did not challenge the call in the allotted time.
Asked if he’d heard from the league, Thibodeau added: “I don’t want to put it on … that final play. There were a number of things that happened in that game, so I’m not going to blame the officials for something. If you’re asking me did I agree with it? No, I didn’t, but that’s life. You move on and get ready for the next game.”
The league confirmed Kirkland’s assessment in its Two-Minute Report released Monday, writing that Randle “pushes” Harris and that Thibodeau “calls timeout but does not signal for a challenge during the same interaction with referees … as required by rule.”
Immanuel Quickley and Mitchell Robinson have been listed as probable for Tuesday’s first of two straight home games against Washington.
Robinson played 17 minutes Sunday in his first appearance since Feb. 12 due to a broken hand, but he limped to the bench in the fourth quarter after appearing to twist his ankle. Quickley also returned to the lineup against Philadelphia after missing one game with a sore ankle.
Elfrid Payton (hamstring) is questionable, while Austin Rivers (personal reasons) remains out.
Madison Square Garden announced that beginning April 1, ticket holders for the Knicks and Rangers can attend games with proof from a health care provider of a negative antigen COVID-19 test or proof of full vaccination. Since Feb. 23, MSG has allowed fans in with proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test.
