The Detroit Pistons have made significant improvements compared to last season’s performance, when they had one of the 10 worst seasons in NBA history with a record of 14-68. Despite this progress, the Pistons still struggle against the top teams in the league, as evidenced by their recent 113-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Following the game, Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed frustration, feeling that his team not only had to compete against one of the NBA’s elite teams but also had to deal with unfavorable officiating.
Bickerstaff was visibly upset as he criticized the officiating during a postgame press conference, emphasizing the lack of respect shown towards his players and their efforts. He described the officiating as “disgusting” and left the press conference after voicing his discontent.
The Pistons faced a series of technical fouls starting in the third quarter, culminating in rookie Cade Cunningham being ejected from the game for arguing with the officials. Despite a late comeback attempt, led by Tobias Harris and Dennis Schröder, the Thunder ultimately secured the win behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive performance, scoring 48 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar play helped the Thunder secure their 55th victory of the season and strengthened his case for the NBA MVP award. Cunningham contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists before his ejection, while Harris and Schröder chipped in with solid performances for the Pistons.
The game was marred by contentious officiating decisions, which Bickerstaff and the Pistons vehemently protested against, highlighting the challenges faced by the team as they strive to compete at a high level in the NBA.
According to Forte, Cunningham received his first technical foul for disrespectfully addressing an official with profanity. After the free throw was shot for the first technical, he continued to use profanity towards the official, resulting in his second technical foul and ejection. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault noted postgame that the officiating crew had the least restrictive calls they’ve encountered this season. The Pistons, currently holding the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference at 37-31, have the potential to climb to fifth or even fourth place despite the recent loss.
