Opening Tip In Knicks-Magic Game Might Be Worst Jump Ball In NBA History

Jump balls have to be one of the easiest jobs for an NBA referee, right?

Well…

Wednesday’s game between the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic got off to a bizarre start, to say the least. Knicks center Enes Kanter and Magic big man Nikola Vucevic lined up for the opening tip, but the referee in charge of the jump ball wound up tossing the ball right above Kanter’s head.

Check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=20&v=lRP1s-olTjU

The obvious question is how was this allowed to stand? No re-jump?

Furthermore, what is Kanter doing arguing with the ref after actually winning the jump ball? Just take the possession and say, “Thanks, stripes.”

What do you think?  Leave a comment.

In any event, the Knicks, who were without star forward Kristaps Porzingis, wound up falling 112-99 at Amway Center.

Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images

About the Author

Dakota Randall

Plymouth State/Boston University product from Wolfeboro, NH, who now is based in Rhode Island. Have worked at NESN since 2016, covering the Patriots since 2021. Might chat your ear off about Disney World, Halo 2, and Lord of the Rings.