The Philadelphia 76ers had no business losing to the New York Knicks on Monday night. They were in position to leave Madison Square Garden with a victory in Game 2 of the First Round of the NBA Playoffs.
A collapse of epic proportions took place during the final minute of play. It was the announcer’s fault.
Philadelphia and New York traded punches through the first 47 minutes and 12.9 seconds. The 76ers ultimately pulled ahead to take a 100-96 lead with 47.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Kyle Lowry went to the line for a pair of free throws that could have essentially iced the game.
In that moment, NBC Sports Philadelphia color commentator Alaa Abdelnaby issued a jinx. He proudly declared a victory for the 76ers by discussing the importance of winning one game on the road.
Sixers broadcast in the final minute of the game:
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) April 23, 2024
“The goal is getting home court advantage by winning 1 of the 2 games on the road, job done, let’s head down to the turnpike.”
“Stay tuned postgame live is gonna be fun.” pic.twitter.com/zMiW5rBgcR
That was a big mistake. The game was not over and his words came back to bite him — hard.
Lowry missed the second of two free throws. Jalen Brunson cut the game to two with a 23-foot triple on the other end.
Philadelphia turned the ball over. Donte DiVencenzo put New York back in the lead on a 25-foot three-pointer with 13 seconds left. The 76ers’ five-point lead became a one-point deficit in a matter of about 34 seconds. They went on to lose 104-101.
It was a truly embarrassing finish for the visiting side and a triumphant final-minute comeback for the home team. The Knicks will travel to Pennsylvania with a 2-0 series lead, all because of the announcer’s jinx. Abdelnaby pulled an amateur move and was left with red face because of it.
76ers fans should be furious with their home broadcast for even mentioning the possibility of a win before the clock hit zero. That can’t happen. Especially not in the NBA Playoffs!