Tom Thibodeau Flips the Script After Pistons HC’s Raging Rant on Referees

The New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau downplayed the controversial call. The Detroit Pistons‘ visit to the MSG could have turned into an intense drama, but a controversial call ruined the night for the visitors. After the game, Pistons’ HC Monty Williams released his steam at the post-game press conference. He described the officiating for the particular play as “The absolute worst call of the season, no call. And, enough is enough.”

Following Williams, Thibodeau picked up the mic and downplayed the controversial officiating. He added, “I don’t want to comment on stuff like that because I haven’t watched the film. I thought in general it was very physical… There was a lot of contact, but I was okay with that… As long as it’s not tight one way and loose one way… I’m looking for consistency.”

The Pistons almost made the Knicks bite the dust at their home. During the fourth quarter, the visitors led the game by one point and the Knicks had possession of the ball with 20 seconds on the call. Jalen Brunson missed an open three-pointer, paving the way for a drama. The defenders were all over the place, trying to steal the ball.

At one point, Pistons’ Ausar Thompson stole the ball, but he was immediately tackled down by Donte DiVincenzo in a clear physical play. The refs didn’t move a muscle to blow the whistle, and it was a matter of seconds when Brunson passed it to Josh Hart for a tough lay-up. It was the end of the game. The Pistons’ bench was left stunned. The visitors were visibly upset and infuriated with the no-call.

The Knicks followed the silent treatment as they refused to speak about the controversial call.

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While the Knicks HC downplayed the controversy, DiVincenzo had an interesting reaction to his play after the game.

DiVincenzo reacts to controversial play

The visuals of the last play went viral on social media and raised questions on the ‘No call’. Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo, who was directly involved in the play, gave a cold response to the reporters. He said, “I respect everybody’s opinion, but I can’t speak on it until I go back and look at the film.”

Moreover, he doesn’t seem to have any problem with the officiating. He added, “You can go back the whole game and nitpick calls. Do I think we dodged a bullet overall?… Like I said, we dodged a bullet with the win.”

But the refs have opened up about the play. In an interview with referee James Williams after the game, he said, “Upon post-game review, we determined that Thompson gets to the ball first, and then was deprived of the opportunity to gain possession of the ball. Therefore, a loose ball foul should have been whistled on New York’s Donte DiVincenzo.”

What do you make of the officiating and the Knicks’ response to the play? Let us know in the comments below.