JB Bickerstaff calls Giannis Antetokounmpo’s free kick advantage

The Detroit Pistons suffered another crushing loss in the late moments on Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 127-120 loss was a physical battle between both teams, but the officiating was one of the biggest questions of the night.

Milwaukee enjoyed a staggering advantage at the free throw line as they hit 22-25 attempts. Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated with 59 points and knocked down 16-17 free throws. Antetokounmpo had more makes and attempts individually than the Pistons had as a team.

Detroit went 10-13 from the free throw line and head coach JB Bickerstaff published his thoughts at the press conference after the match.

“It was a little lopsided, to be honest with you. One guy shoots more free throws than our whole team. It’s disappointing,” Bickerstaff said. “I think our guys deserve better. They were aggressive, but the whistle did not go the same way. We earn people’s respect and if our guys keep playing the way we play, eventually we’ll earn respect and we’ll get the same calls.”

The Pistons led by as many as 18 points in the first half against the Bucks. The momentum of the game changed after Isaiah Stewart was ejected for a flagrant two-foul when he grabbed Antetokounmpo’s jersey and knocked him to the ground. Detroit’s defense suffered without one of their mainstays, which helped lead to the Milwaukee forward’s breakout performance.

Detroit has been bothered by the refs for a good portion of the season. Point guard Cade Cunningham has expressed his frustration with also officiating. He expressed how he has tried adjust your game for better whistles after the loss to the New York Knicks, despite not getting the calls he believes he deserves.

“I try to be physical, I have to be physical. Teams are physical with me guarding me, so I have to play through a lot of physicality to get to my spots and get shots off,” Cunningham explained. “I try to get error. I try to shout more. I try to show more contact, but it’s all up to the umpires and what they see.”

Big stage for Pistons’ Ron Holland II

The Pistons limped into their game against the Bucks with several new injuries. They approached the game without key players such as Jaden Ivey (toe), Simone Fontecchio (toe) and Tim Hardaway Jr (head injury). Bickerstaff opted to start rookie Ron Holland II at forward due to the lack of depth.

Holland finished with 11 points, but had a tough “welcome to the NBA” moment with a chance to win the game for the Pistons. Holland was fouled by the Bucks on an inbounds lob by Cunningham with one second remaining. The first-round rookie confidently stepped to the line with a chance to win the game. Unfortunately, both shots fell short, forcing the second overtime for the Pistons.

Late game execution remains an area of ​​needed development for Detroit in its rebuilding phase. The majority of their struggles this regular season have come down to the last few possessions of the game. Bickerstaff has stressed his belief that the team will grow from these crushing finishes. They will have another chance to show that growth when they take on the Toronto Raptors on the road on Friday in their next In-Season Tournament game.