Tom Thibodeau blamed a “huge discrepancy in free throws” as the reason for the New York Knicks’ 100-94 loss to the Detroit Pistons in Game 2.
The Pistons shot 34 free throws compared to the Knicks’ 19.
Thibodeau specifically pointed out the difference in how Cade Cunningham and Jalen Brunson were officiated.
“I don’t understand how on one side you talk about direct line drives. The guy is getting fouled and it’s not being called,” said Thibodeau. “And look, I don’t really give a crap how they call the game, as long as it’s consistent on both sides. So, if Cunningham is driving and there is marginal contact and he is getting to the line, then Jalen deserves to be getting to the line. It’s really that simple.”
Cunningham shot 12 free throws in the game, with Brunson shooting 11 free throws. The Pistons also shot 14 free throws in the first half, with Brunson and the Knicks only taking two in that time.
Brunson added that the Knicks need to adapt to how the game is being called.
“Regardless of how it’s reffed, we’ve got to adjust and we’ve got to adapt to that and go on from there,” said Brunson.
