The Detroit Pistons are having one of the most horrible seasons, with multiple losing streaks and abysmal records to their name. While the team is young and is in contention for a lottery pick next season, their struggles this season seem to have no end.
Earlier today, the Pistons lost to the New York Knicks in a very disappointing fashion, one that caused immense pain and despair to Pistons coach, Monty Williams.
Monty Williams slams referee’s missed call costing Pistons
The Detroit Pistons were on the verge of a rare win, a sight as rare as a buzzer-beater in the NBA. However, a misguided move resulted in the New York Knicks snatching victory from the struggling Pistons.
With the clock winding down, Ausar Thompson made a clutch steal from the New York Knicks and raced down the court, looking to hit the game-winning shot. But his move was halted by Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo, who swooped in and grabbed the ball at Thompson’s feet. Donte dished the rock to Jalen Brunson, who drove down the court and dished it to Josh Hart for the clutch bucket.
However, the lack of a call on Thompson left the Detroit Pistons feeling like they were just a shot away from victory at the iconic basketball arena. The referees’ lack of awareness was clearly exposed by Pistons head coach Monty Williams, who was completely devastated after his team’s heartbreaking loss.
Williams entered the media room before any reporters arrived to proclaim his harsh verdict on the game. “The absolute worst call of the season. No call, and enough’s enough. We’ve done it the right way. We’ve called the league. We’ve sent in clips. We’re sick of hearing the same stuff over and over again.”
Monty Williams added, “We had a chance to win the game, and a guy dove into Ausur’s legs and there was a no-call. That’s an abomination. You cannot miss that in an NBA game. Period. And I’m tired of talking about it. I’m tired of my guys asking, ‘What more can we do, Coach?’ That situation is Exhibit A to what we’ve been dealing with all season long, and enough’s enough.”
The reputed coach, Monty Williams, concluded by saying, “You cannot dive into a guy’s legs in a big-time game like that and there be a no-call,” he continued. “It’s ridiculous, and we’re tired of it. We just want a fair game called. Period. And I’ve got nothing else to say. We want a fair game, and that was not fair.”
While the NBA has not officially responded to the plea of the Detroit Pistons, the referees had an interesting outlook after the game.
Officials admit to missed call on Donte DiVincenzo
This season, there has been a rising outcry against the game’s officiating and ignorance by the referees.
Following the Pistons’ loss against the New York Knicks, the referees’ report revealed that a foul had to be called on guard Donte DiVincenzo’s actions, which eventually led to the Knicks’ victory. Game referee James Williams, who was the crew chief for the game, admitted to his team’s mistake after a review.
Williams said, “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,” James Williams said. “Therefore, a loose ball foul should have been whistled on New York’s Donte DiVincenzo.” While the review is of no use without any feasible action, the Detroit Pistons will hope that the NBA intervenes in their favor, especially after their second straight alleged robbery.
What are your thoughts on the no-call in the Pistons-Knicks game? Should the NBA intervene and take authoritative action? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions, so feel free to comment below.
