Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed his disappointment and frustration after the team’s 113-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. Bickerstaff was “disgusted” by the referees’ treatment of his players, particularly when it came to technical fouls.
The Thunder’s strong defensive performance, led by game-high scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (48 points), was a major factor in the Pistons’ loss. However, what really stood out to Bickerstaff was the officials’ inconsistent and biased refereeing.
“We deserve a level of respect because we’re competing our tails off and bringing something positive to this league,” Bickerstaff said. “The least that they can do is give us the same respect that everybody else in this league gets and get refereed the same way everyone else gets treated.”
Cade Cunningham, who struggled to match Gilgeous-Alexander’s production due to the Thunder’s defensive strategy, was ejected from the game after picking up two technical fouls for using profanity towards an official.
The Pistons’ bench had a standout performance, scoring 51 points and helping the team come back from a deficit. However, despite their efforts, they ultimately fell short against the Thunder.
Bickerstaff vowed to not allow his players to be treated unfairly by the referees, saying “Enough is enough of it. And what you saw tonight was disgusting. It was a disgusting display of disrespect towards our guys and what we’re trying to do.”
The Pistons will begin a three-game trip on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Source: https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2025/03/15/shai-gilgeous-alexander-adds-to-mvp-candidacy-as-pistons-fall-to-thunder/82449963007