The Orlando Magic-New York Knicks matchup at Kia Center ended up creating some controversies. After losing 91-100 to the Knicks, the Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley sat down for the post-game presser. When asked for a comment on the free throw disparity between the two teams, Mosley’s frustration was apparent in his response.
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He acknowledged that his team committed some fouls toward the end, but even after considering that, he couldn’t see a reason behind the stark free-throw gap. Throughout the game, the Magic only received 13 free throws.
In comparison, the Knicks received 30 free throws. Mosley said, “30 free throws to 13, I believe the count was at one point 28 to 12. They’re human beings, I understand that. I’m not going that route.”
Mosley stated that he understands it’s a physical game and both teams played it the right way. However, the officiating should be fair for both sides. He hinted that the referees were lopsided in their favors without explicitly mentioning it to avoid a fine.
He said, “We played physical, they played physical, I appreciate it. We appreciate all of it and that’s where you just ask for it to look at it and be the same way for both sides.” Jalen Brunson alone (14) shot more free throws than the entire Magic team. Except for OG Anunoby, every other Knicks starter was given free throws.
Magic's Jamahl Mosley on officiating in loss to Knicks: "You have to take it for what it is…30 free throws to 13…They're human beings…But at the end of the day…we played physical, they played physical…we appreciate all of it…You just ask for…the same way both sides" pic.twitter.com/Hn0jJfg6fI
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 16, 2024
On the other hand, none of the Magic starters received any free throws. In fact, in their entire team, only two players were able to stand on the charity stripe, Moritz Wagner, with 11 free throws, and Anthony Black, with two. The Knicks made 24 of their 30 free throws whereas the Magic made 10 of 13.
Despite what looked like a clean robbery by the refs, Mosley didn’t lose his cool. He stated that he cannot hold the loss against the players. With this loss, the Magic are now on a two-game losing streak.
The Knicks are currently in the third position in the East with a 16-10 record. Orlando is right below them with a 17-11 record.
