In today’s match against the New York Knicks, despite a standout performance by Detroit Pistons’ rising star Cade Cunningham, who notched an impressive 32 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, the Pistons suffered a narrow defeat, falling short 113-111. This loss marks another setback for the Pistons, who are in the midst of back-to-back games, having also narrowly lost their previous game against the Orlando Magic.
Reflecting on the intensity of these consecutive matchups, Cunningham summed up his emotions in one powerful word during his post-game interview: “Livid.”
The frustration evident in Cunningham’s response echoes the sentiments shared by many, particularly concerning what has been dubbed as the “absolute worst call of the season” by Pistons’ head coach Monty Williams.
The pivotal moment in the game came down to a controversial call in the final seconds. The sequence of events unfolded with approximately 20 seconds remaining on the clock when Jalen Brunson attempted a critical 3-pointer.
Following an exchange of possessions, the ball ended up in the hands of RJ Thompson, who appeared to be fouled by Donte DiVincenzo, allowing Brunson to regain possession and make a crucial pass. However, no foul was called, sparking widespread debate and frustration among the Pistons’ camp.
NBA ref James Williams to pool reporter: "Upon postgame review, we determined that Thompson gets to the ball first, and then was deprived of the opportunity to gain possession of the ball. Therefore, a loose ball foul should have been whistled on New York’s Donte DiVincenzo." pic.twitter.com/kyMHZLyLRD
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) February 27, 2024
Adding fuel to the controversy, referee James Williams later acknowledged the missed call on the final play, admitting, “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. Therefore, a loose ball foul should have been whistled on New York’s Donte DiVincenzo.”
This admission by the referee only serves to intensify the Pistons’ frustration, particularly following their recent loss to the Orlando Magic, where Coach Williams had already voiced his concerns regarding the perceived lack of calls for Cunningham and his teammates throughout the season.
Revisiting pivotal moments from previous games, Williams highlighted instances where Cunningham, despite his aggressive playstyle, failed to draw fouls, contrasting it with the treatment received by opposing players.
This perceived inconsistency in officiating has only compounded the challenges faced by the struggling Pistons, who currently possess the league’s worst record with 8 wins and 49 losses.
As the Pistons gear up for their upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bulls, there is a collective hope for fair officiating, especially in light of the recent admission by the referee, shedding light on the contentious nature of calls impacting crucial moments in the game.
