Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that issues stated on court docket crossed a line, resulting in Isaiah Stewart’s ejection through the group’s 133-119 loss in opposition to the Indiana Pacers.
The 23-year-old participant shoved Pacers’ Thomas Bryant to the ground within the second quarter and was immediately ejected by the referees.
Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton mixed to attain 67 factors for the Jap Convention facet in a sport which was chippy.
The Pacers have a 3-1 file in opposition to the Pistons this season, however all 4 matchups have had scuffles, which reveals a resemblance to the Pistons-Pacers encounters within the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.
Stewart is just not a participant who backs down from anybody and he has confirmed that a number of occasions since he got here into the league.
His ejection in opposition to the Pacers is his second one already this season and will result in a possible suspension because of his previous conduct within the NBA.
Nonetheless, Pistons head coach Bickerstaff defended his participant in his post-game press convention.
“There have been issues stated tonight that completely crossed the road.
“Previous basketball to man-on-man stuff and if somebody says one thing like that to you that crosses the road, it’s best to have each single proper to do what you do to defend your self,” stated Bickerstaff.
After a disastrous 2023-24 season the place they received solely 14 video games, the Pistons fired Monty Williams to usher in J.B. Bickerstaff to Detroit.
The 45-year-old had accomplished an distinctive job with the younger core in Cleveland and was anticipated to do the identical in Detroit.
Presently, with a 23-24 file, the Pistons are positioned eighth within the East and appear like a group that might doubtlessly clinch a play-in spot.
Whereas his teaching has been instrumental, Cade Cunningham placing up All-Star like numbers and Jalen Duren levelling up has been one of many causes the Pistons are a tricky facet to beat this season.
The Detroit Pistons are the fourth youngest group within the NBA, nevertheless, that has not stopped them from showcasing their tenacious mentality.
Bickerstaff has inspired gamers to play a tricky model of basketball and whereas this has led to many scuffles, the group has caught the eye of the league with their performances.
