The Detroit Pistons endured a 113-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, it wasn’t just the loss that left a bitter taste in their mouths; the officiating became a major point of contention. JB Bickerstaff’s team was on the receiving end of five technical fouls during a heated third quarter, and tempers flared throughout the game.
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff voiced his frustration during the postgame press conference. He blasted the officiating for calling in favor of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as he perceived it as disrespect towards his team.
“I’m disgusted by the way that game was officiated. The level of disrespect was above and beyond. They have a guy fall down and trip on his own teammate’s foot; they review us for a hostile act. They throw an elbow to our chest and neck area; I ask to at least take a look at it,” Bickerstaff said.
"I'm disgusted by the way [the Thunder-Pistons game] was officiated. The level of disrespect was above & beyond. They have a guy fall down & trip on his own teammate's foot. They review us for hostile act."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 16, 2025
— JB Bickerstaff 😳
(via @IAmEricVincent)pic.twitter.com/oVAmWnmteI
The coach didn’t hold back as he continued his rant, warning NBA officials of the treatment his players had endured. He ended the press conference with a dramatic display of anger and stormed off.
“No one would take a look at it. The disrespect has gone far enough. I’m not going to allow our guys to be treated the way they were tonight,” he added.
Mark Daigneault Reflects On JB Bickerstaff’s Fierce Words
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault provided a different perspective on JB Bickerstaff’s claim over the officiating. He explained that the crew had been known for their “loose whistle” heading into the game, meaning they called fewer fouls than most.
“That crew was the loosest whistle coming into the game that we’ve seen all season in terms of how little they call. I thought our guys did a great job of not getting distracted by anything,” he said.
Despite the defeat, the Pistons are still holding onto a solid record of 37-31, maintaining their position as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. They’ll look to bounce back in their upcoming game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Also Read: Former Seattle SuperSonics Legend Has Tragically Passed Away
