DETROIT, MICHIGAN - The Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Detroit Pistons with a final score of 113-107 on Saturday night, marking the Thunder's historic achievement of defeating every team in the NBA this season.
Star performer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone brightly, racking up 48 points on 17-for-26 shooting. He was not just the team's leading scorer but also added six assists, four rebounds, three steals, and one block to his impressive stats. His ability to hit clutch mid-range jumpers and pour-in timely three-pointers propelled the Thunder's offense, pivotal to the team's success throughout the game.
Despite missing three of their four top scorers, the Thunder's supporting cast played invaluable roles. Cason Wallace contributed 20 points, displaying solid rebounding and defensive efforts. Isaiah Hartenstein posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, alongside five assists, three blocks, and two steals. A particularly memorable play involved Hartenstein, who executed a timely block followed by an uncontested dunk, ensuring the Thunder maintained their four-point lead down the stretch of the game.
The game dynamics shifted dramatically. The Thunder took off strong, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace fueling their offense to score the first 16 points without missing a shot. When the Pistons attempted to close the margin through three-pointers and fast-break points, Oklahoma City responded with precision plays during pivotal moments. An impressive series of consecutive offensive rebounds allowed them to extend their lead and eventually seal the victory.
It was not without adversity, though, as the team detected injuries during the game. Ousmane Dieng exited the contest with a left calf strain during the second quarter, and Luguentz Dort suffered a groin injury late in the game. On the opposing side, the Pistons encountered their own struggles, losing star player Cade Cunningham, who was ejected late in the third quarter for receiving back-to-back technical fouls.
Head coach for Detroit, JB Bickerstaff, expressed his frustration toward the officiated game post-match, stating, "I’m extremely proud of the way they continued to compete. I’m disgusted by the way the game was officiated. The level of disrespect was above and beyond." Bickerstaff emphasized the need for respect for his players and criticized the officiates for their decisions throughout the match.
The ejection of Cunningham, who had managed only 11 points on 5-of-18 shooting before his exit, led to significant disappointment from the Pistons' side. During the match, Cunningham had been embroiled in verbal exchanges with officials, which led to his technical fouls, as noted by NBA Crew Chief Brian Forte who clarified the rationale behind the ejection. “Cunningham was issued his first technical foul for disrespectfully addressing the official with profanity,” said Forte.
Despite being down their star player, the Pistons managed to make aggressive plays late, cutting the Thunder lead down to just one point at times. Bickerstaff, after rallying his team to push late against the Thunder, lamented the ejection's effect on their overall gameplay.
Fans at the game met the referee's decisions with outrage, chanting, "Ref, you suck," especially after Cunningham's ejection sparked significant frustration among the Pistons' faithful. The emotional atmosphere extended from Bickerstaff's fiery post-game statements to the fervent response from the crowd, often echoing the coach's sentiments.
The Thunder’s win now positions them as one of the elite teams this season, showcasing their capability to overcome injuries and rally together for victory. They are now on the back of winning nine of their last ten games. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 48-point performance was his 12th game this season where he has surpassed 40 points, bolstering his growing case for MVP honors.
Looking forward, the Thunder continue to establish themselves as contenders, demonstrating not just high-octane offense but also resilience and depth. Their next matchup promises to test their resolve as they aim for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Pistons, currently sitting at the No. 6 seed status at 37-31, will need to adjust and refocus as they continue their pursuit to solidify their playoff aspirations.