Shaq has come to the defense of the Philadelphia 76ers after their nail-biting loss to the New York Knicks in Game 2, expressing his dismay over the game’s controversial ending.
In a sequence that saw the Sixers relinquish a two-possession lead in the final moments, frustration brewed as they felt they were on the wrong end of critical non-calls and were denied a timeout despite their request.
Reacting to the NBA’s contentious Last 2-Minute report on the game, Shaquille O’Neal took to Instagram to voice his frustration, questioning the efficacy of such reports in rectifying missed calls.
“This is why people think the NBA game is rigged,” Shaq asserted. “The ref didn’t call it. My question is, you admit it now, but what the [expletive] does that do for Philadelphia? Get rid of the Last 2-Minute report. You’re a referee. Pay attention!”
With the controversy swirling, the Sixers are left with little recourse but to regroup and focus on the upcoming Game 3. Despite intentions to lodge a complaint, the outcome of Game 2 remains unchanged.
As they prepare to face the Knicks on their home court for the first time in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Sixers find themselves in a must-win scenario, eager to turn the tide in their favor.
Tip-off for Game 3 is set for 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, promising another intense showdown between the two playoff contenders.
