Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was problematic with the conspicuous free throw inconsistencies Monday night after the Pistons even out the first round playoff series with a 100-94 victory.
Thibodeau was asked about Jalen Brunson’s 37-point effort.
“Obviously, the big contradiction of the free throw. It’s huge. I have to look at it, are you okay?” Thibodeau said. “So… I don’t know how you talk about the direct line drive and the guys are fouled and it’s not called? [Cade] Cunningham’s driving and marginal contact, he’s reaching the line. Then Jaren [Brunson] It deserves to reach the line, it’s really very easy. ”
The first round of several rounds of “refs you suck” chants began as Cunningham stepped into the free throw line at the 5:06 mark in the second quarter.
The booing and expression of disgust continued only when the game was worn.
The Pistons went 13 out of 14 from the line in the first half, and the Knicks were waiting until the end of the second quarter to make their first trip to the Charity Stripes.
Cunningham’s six free throw attempts were three times the Knicks’ team total in the first half.
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Fans were even more frustrated in the third quarter when Branson had histted for a clear path foul.
The basket was thrown, despite Cunningham connecting with Orsarl Thompson for an alley layup, and Thompson went to the free throw line on two attempts.
Thompson missed both, but the Pistons got the ball back and Cunningham did a good job with an additional possession in a basket that inflated Detroit’s lead to 11.
By the end of the night, the Pistons had taken more than 15 free throw attempts than the Knicks, scoring 28 points from the charity stripe to New York’s 16.
The Knicks won 11 of 19 free throw attempts in the fourth quarter.
Thibodeau didn’t believe the way the game was hosted would affect his team’s play.
“It’s part of our league,” he said. “You make a point and move on. Try doing it between the dead balls.”
