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NBA rules Giannis committed 5-second violation on game-winner vs. Knicks

Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Giannis Antetokounmpo's miraculous game-winner before basketball's biggest stage should not have counted.

The league ruled in its last-two-minute report released Thursday that Antetokounmpo committed a five-second violation prior to his stupendous step-back jumper at the buzzer to give his Milwaukee Bucks a 105-104 victory.

The infraction is fairly obvious upon review. Antetokounmpo dribbles with his back to the basket below the free-throw line for almost eight seconds against a helpless Lance Thomas before splashing home his 18-footer to win the game.

That being said, the New York Knicks got away with some shenanigans of their own. The last-two-minute report cites three instances - an off-the-ball foul, a lane violation, and a three-second violation - that went uncalled against New York during their fourth quarter collapse.

All in all, the Knicks only have themselves to blame having coughed up a 14 point lead to drop their ninth game over their past 11.

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