I’m So Proud of the Detroit Pistons
Yes, I’m a Detroit Pistons fan. Sure, the team has been really struggling the past few years. But, what’s the point of supporting a team and franchise only when they’re winning? Hey, I’ve been a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, so I’m used to the jokes and sarcasm about loving a team when they’re down. Now, I have to say that I’m so proud of the Detroit Pistons, and here’s why.
Every year when football season ends, I totally miss it. But, that’s when my love for basketball kicks in. Don’t get me wrong, football is my favorite sport. But, I also love watching basketball, both pro and college. In the NBA, I’m all about the Pistons. For college, as a Michigan State graduate, it’s all about the Spartans and March Madness.
I got sick this week. Like, really sick. So, I found myself lying in bed all day and night, not even able to really sit up. Thankfully, I saw the Pistons were playing two nights in a row. Sports to watch and distract me from my misery!
The first game was Monday night (Feb. 26), in what turned out to be a riveting game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Pistons lost 113-111, but they should have won, in my opinion. At the end of the game, the refs missed a blatant foul with 8.6 seconds left in the game, after a Pistons steal while Detroit led by one. The missed call was really bad. Anyone could see it was an obvious foul.
I’m a huge fan of the Pistons’ new head coach, Monty Williams. This is a man of dignity, character and drive. After Monday’s game, he was understandably upset. He had the guts to talk about it in the post-game press conference, and he didn’t hold back. But, as always, he was also classy about it.
“The absolute worst call of the season. No call. And enough’s enough,” he said. “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 a guy dove into Ausar’s legs, and it 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.”
Amen. I totally agree. I get that there are always bad calls on both sides. But, something had to be said, because this has been a pattern. Also, just because a team is losing, that doesn’t give management the right to let bad calls fly.
Props to the NBA, because they came out after the game and said that they made the wrong call. They also didn’t fine Williams for speaking out, because they said he was right. Honestly, that makes me respect the NBA a lot.
So, after that gut-wrenching loss and bad call, the Pistons had another game lined up for Tuesday night (Feb. 27). They headed to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bulls. And, wow, what a game. As I watched, wrapped up in bed trying to rid my body of this stomach bug, I felt so energized and excited. It was a close game, and at one point the Pistons were losing by double-digits. But, they won and won big, with the final score 105-95.
Williams praised the team for bouncing back after this week’s hardships. “The way they’ve handled this past week… We lose [Isaiah Stewart] right before the game. We play our tails off in the second half in Indianapolis and come up short. The last two games, end-of-game situations, we come up short. Traveled, come here, get here late, and they just come in wide-eyed, ready to go and compete. I told them it takes a lot of character and integrity, and connection to be able to win games on the road against a team that’s been playing pretty well,” he said in a post-game press conference.
So, yes, I’m so proud of the Detroit Pistons. I’ll be cheering them on and really think next year will be their year!
5 NBA Teams to Watch Right Now
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are solid this year, but they aren’t one of the best of the best. That said, there’s lots of potential here. Watch these guys closely. It’s so fun to watch Tyrese Maxey, who is a total superstar. He’s been averaging an upwards of 28 points per game lately.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a big loss to the Bucks following the break, but then, they came back and definitively beat the Nets. The Wolves have been experiencing a few offensive hiccups, but they’re still one of the strongest teams in the league.
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder crew is on fire. Coming back from break, they totally blew out the Clippers, Wizards and Rockets. Chet Holmgren is a star here, averaging around 24 points a game.
(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
2. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are another team that came out of break with fire. These guys have been on a winning streak since the break ended. Nikola Jokic has been especially strong since break, averaging around 27 points per game.
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
1. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are really the strongest team in the NBA right now. They’re on a winning streak, which is nothing new for them. They have not one but a group of star players in Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. It’s hard to see any team topping them.
(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
