WORST CALL OF THE SEASON: WILLIAMS

Pistons’ coach furious at late call in loss to the Knicks as ref admits mistake in review

Detroit coach Monty Williams has slammed National Basketball Association (NBA) referees for making the "worst call of the season" after the Pistons slumped to an agonising last-gasp 113-111 defeat by the New York Knicks on Feb 26.

A thrilling clash at Madison Square Garden swung decisively in favour of the Knicks in the closing seconds, when officials failed to penalise New York's Donte DiVincenzo for a blatant foul on Pistons forward Ausar Thompson as the two tussled for a loose ball with Detroit leading 111-110.

The Knicks recovered possession in the chaos, allowing Jalen Brunson to move the ball to Josh Hart, who drove in what turned out to be the winning lay-up before adding a free throw to seal victory.

NBA referee James Williams later admitted officials had blundered and should have called a foul on DiVincenzo.

"Upon post-game review we determined that Thompson gets to the ball first, and then was deprived of the opportunity to gain possession of the ball," he said.