Pistons head coach Monty Williams has had enough.
Following his team’s 113-111 loss to the Knicks, the 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year blasted the officiating during a wild final sequence.
On the play, rookie forward Ausar Thompson intercepted a pass from Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo to Jalen Brunson but lost the ball after DiVincenzo initiated contact with him along the side of the court.
“The absolute worst call of the season. No call. And enough’s enough,” said Williams.
The Pistons (8-49, 15th in Eastern Conference) have the league’s worst record, and Williams might have reached his boiling point on Monday.
“We’ve called the league, we’ve sent in clips. We’re sick of hearing the same stuff over and over again,” continued Williams, noting his season-long gripe with officiating.
The latest missed call was particularly egregious because it prevented Detroit from completing its comeback from down eight entering the fourth quarter.
The Pistons led 111-110 when Thompson stole DiVincenzo’s pass, and if a foul was called moments later, Thompson would have had the opportunity to give Detroit a three-point lead with 4.2 seconds remaining.
“We had a chance to win the game, and [DiVincenzo] dove into Ausar’s legs, and there was a no call,” Williams said, describing the contact that resulted in Thompson’s turnover.
“That’s an abomination. You cannot miss that in an NBA game. Period,” continued Williams. “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.”
After the game, referee James Williams spoke to pool reporters and said, “Upon postgame review … A loose ball foul should have been whistled on New York’s Donte DiVincenzo.”
Before leaving the podium postgame, the former Suns head coach shared a wish that most fans can agree with: “We just want a fair game called.”
