Detroit Pistons Coach Slams Refs After Blown Call in Loss to Knicks: ‘The Absolute Worst Call of the Season!’

Ahmad Austin Jr.Feb 27th, 2024, 10:44 am
 

Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams called out the referees for one of the most egregious no-calls of the season in his team’s loss to the New York Knicks.

Trailing 111-110 in the final seconds of Monday’s game, the Knicks had possession. After a missed 3-point attempt by Jalen Brunson, the Knicks got a second chance after stealing the rebound. When guard Donte DiVincenzo passed the ball, Pistons forward Ausar Thompson jumped in its path and deflected the ball. As Thompson ran to the loose ball to steal it, DiVincenzo dove into his legs. Brunson then recovered the loose ball and passed it to Josh Hart, who then made a layup while getting fouled.

He completed the three-point play to give the Knicks a 113-111 lead, which would end up being the final score.

After the game, Williams spoke for just over a minute to criticize the refs for not calling the obvious foul by DiVincenzo on Thompson.

“Where’s the New York media now?” Williams asked as he sat down in front of reporters. “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. We had a chance to win the game, and the guy dove into Ausar’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 our guys asking me, ‘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. You cannot dive into a guy’s legs in a big-time game like that and there be a no-call. It’s ridiculous, and we’re tired of it. We just want a fair game called — period. And I got nothing else to say. We want a fair game, and that was not fair. I’m done.”

Williams then got up and left the press conference.

After the game, referee James Williams admitted DiVincenzo should have been called for a loose ball foul.

Watch above via Bally Sports

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