Pistons’ Monty Williams Chastises Refs After Bitter Loss to Knicks, Walks Out of Press Conference

Detroit Pistons coach Monty Williams was incensed (and rightfully so) after a missed foul call committed against rookie wing Ausar Thompson on Monday night led to the game-winning basket for the New York Knicks.

Thompson stole a pass intended for Knicks star Jalen Brunson, and as he made his way up the sideline to breakaway and seal the game for the Pistons, he was borderline tackled by Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo.

Brunson picked up the loose ball and hit Josh Hart with a dart, leading to the game-winning layup.

“The absolute worst call of the season. No call? Enough is enough,” Williams said as he opened his press conference. “We’ve done it the right way. We’ve called the league. We’ve sent in clips. We’re sick of hearing the same stuff over and over again. We had a chance to win the game and the guy dove into Ausar’s legs and there was a no call. That’s an abomination.”

"The absolute worst call of the season. Enough is enough!"

Monty Williams goes off on refs and then walks out of press conference after the Pistons 2-point loss to the Knicks.pic.twitter.com/unUyXbkr8b

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 27, 2024

The toll of the rough season for the Pistons is certainly weighing on Williams and his squad, and admitted this isn’t the first time his team has gotten the short end of the stick with the league’s officiating.

“That situation is exhibit a to what we’ve been dealing with all season long, and enough’s enough. You cannot dive into a guy’s legs in a big time game like that and there be a no call. It’s ridiculous and we’re tired of it. We just want a fair game called. Period. And I got nothing else to say. We want a fair game and that was not fair. I’m done.”

Williams exited stage left and did not take any questions.

The loss dropped Detroit to a league-worst 8–49 season.