Following the Detroit Pistons’ 112-103 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4, coach JB Bickerstaff expressed concerns about a noticeable change in officiating.
Bickerstaff particularly highlighted the significant difference in free throw attempts during the game; Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell took 15 free throws while the entire Pistons team only managed 12.
“That’s simply unacceptable,” Bickerstaff stated. “We definitely need to do better ourselves. But it feels like the officiating has shifted since we arrived in Cleveland.”
“No way should one player on their team get more free throws than our entire squad. We’re not just shooting jumpers; we drive and attack the basket consistently,” he added, repeating the last point for emphasis.
“While we’re disappointed with the outcome, it can’t be an excuse because we didn’t play up to our potential. Still, you can’t help but wonder about the fouls and the discrepancies—you just notice things,” he mentioned. “Coach Atkinson previously commented on our style, but again, the whistle has changed in this matchup.”
JB Bickerstaff, referee for Game 4: “That’s unacceptable…Ever since we’ve been in Cleveland, the whistle has changed…”
Donovan Mitchell FTA – 15
Pistons FTA – 12
Mitchell had an impressive night, scoring 39 of his 43 points in the latter half and going 13 for 15 from the free-throw line as the Cavaliers made a staggering 22-0 run, evening the series.
Prior to Game 3, Bickerstaff noted that Cleveland had trouble managing the physical play from Detroit, which led to increased turnovers on their part.
Atkinson acknowledged the struggle, stating, “They’ve got a physical style that forces you to adapt. It’s a tight game, and we need to create space and get open looks.”
Cleveland struggled in the earlier games, committing 19 and 11 turnovers in the first two matchups, respectively. By Game 3, both teams ended up with 15 turnovers, but it was different in Game 4 where the Pistons had 18 compared to Cleveland’s 13.
Pistons guard Cade Cunningham lamented the free throw imbalance, mentioning, “There was hardly any whistle in Game 4.”
“It felt like we were playing two distinct games. I sensed it early on, got hit on the arm, and there was no foul called,” Cunningham reflected. “After that, it seemed like no one was looking my way. I understood what it was.”
He continued, “We can’t let that affect how we play. It’s part of the game. The home team always has an advantage—it’s tougher on the road. We just need to manage our emotions and focus on our game.” He acknowledged the discrepancy in free throws wasn’t the sole reason for the loss, but added, “It definitely doesn’t help.”
The series moves back to Detroit for Game 5 on Wednesday.
