A contentious decision played a pivotal role in denying the Detroit Pistons a much-needed win during Monday’s NBA action, as they were edged out by the New York Knicks in a closely fought battle.
The Pistons, whose record fell to 8-49, were narrowly defeated with a score of 113-111 at Madison Square Garden. They were ahead by a single point when an eventful play changed the momentum of the game.
In the crucial moments, Jalen Brunson‘s three-point shot failed to connect, leading to Josh Hart dispossessing Simone Fontecchio, a move that rejuvenated the Knicks’ chances. Shortly afterward, Ausar Thompson intercepted a pass from Donte DiVincenzo with about 10 seconds left on the clock. However, in a contentious moment, DiVincenzo’s dive toward Thompson’s legs led to a turnover, with no foul called on the play.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Monty Williams, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
Brunson secured the ball in the ensuing scramble and assisted Hart, who scored the decisive points. The Pistons’ head coach, Monty Williams, was visibly upset in the aftermath, particularly with the officiating.
During a brief post-game press conference, Williams questioned the absence of scrutiny from the New York media. He spared no words in criticizing what he perceived as a grave officiating error, labeling it the “worst call of the season.”
“The absolute worst call of the season,” Williams said, via Bally Sports Detroit. “No call, and enough’s enough.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Monty Williams, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
Williams underscored his frustration by highlighting that it wasn’t the first time the Pistons had been adversely affected by questionable officiating, noting that the team had previously submitted evidence of such incidents to the league.
“We’re sick of hearing the same stuff over and again,” Williams continued. “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.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Monty Williams, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
. Williams concluded his remarks by reiterating his call for fairness in the game, expressing his dissatisfaction with the evening’s events before abruptly ending the conference.
“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 said.
