It was not the kind of epic, “take that for data” rant he went off on when he was coaching the Grizzlies during the 2017 NBA playoffs — but Knicks coach David Fizdale admitted he was flummoxed by some of the James Harden foul calls during Harden’s 61-point Madison Square Garden explosion Wednesday night.
Fizdale got a technical foul in the first half and finally got tossed with 1:08 left in the game with his second “T” in the Knicks’ 114-110, last-second loss to the Rockets. Assistant coach Keith Smart ran the show down the stretch.
Fizdale claimed he had no idea why he got the second tech, which came after the Knicks intentionally fouled Harden on a fast break. It appeared Fizdale was arguing over a play at the other end.
Ultimately, though, Fizdale said he felt badly about the ejection.
“I never like to leave the guys on the floor — I felt I let them down,” he said. “I don’t know why I got ejected. I was upset. It was the end of the game. I was battling for my guys.”
Crew chief Pat Fraher told a pool reporter the ejection was warranted.
“Coach Fizdale was warned in the first half at 3:28 for continuous complaining and was later given a technical foul,” Fraher said. “We do not warn multiple times. So now in the second half, he continues to complain on a non-call on the other end of the floor, which is now unsportsmanlike conduct and is given his second technical at 1:08 of the second half.”
Fizdale blew his stack before the second technical, when Tim Hardaway Jr. was called for a foul when Harden, who took 25 free throws, launched a 3-pointer from the deep left corner. Replays showed hardly any contact, but Harden got three more free throws.
“I disputed some [Harden] calls,” Fizdale said. “I don’t know if I was right or wrong. [The officials] disagreed.
“That’s up for you guys to decide. When I look at the [the Hardaway foul], Tim is literally exaggerating his hands here. James’ face hits his arm. … I don’t know what to tell my guys. Maybe you guys can tell me the ruling for me.”