DETROIT – The coach of the Detroit Pistons put the referees on blast after one of his players was tackled on the final play with no call (and then the Pistons gave up a game-winning bucket).
Monty Williams doesn’t typically like to comment on officiating, but he didn’t even give reporters a chance to ask a question before jumping into his frustration after Monday night’s loss.
“Where’s the New York media now?” Williams asked. “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 a win the game, and a 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’ve got nothing else to say. We want a fair game, and that was not fair. I’m done.”
The play in question happened with under 20 seconds left and the Pistons leading the Kicks 111-110. Quentin Grimes grabbed a rebound in the corner in front of his own bench and saved it to Simone Fontecchio.
Fontecchio turned the ball over, but Ausar Thompson stole it back with 10 seconds remaining.
As Thompson dribbled up the left sideline, he was laid out by Donte DiVincenzo, who dove at his legs just before mid-court.
There was no whistle. The Knicks picked up the ball and scored with 2.8 seconds left.
The best part: A foul was called on the Knicks bucket.
Detroit ultimately lost 113-111.
Shortly after the game, the head of the officiating crew admitted that a foul should have been called. I’m sure that will make the 8-49 Pistons feel a whole lot better.
Can’t wait for the NBA to give them the seventh draft pick in the lottery this year.
Monty Williams calls out the officiating after a close 113-111 loss to the Knicks. #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/aMqT83jsL9
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) February 27, 2024