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Pistons Criticize ‘Unacceptable’ Foul Disparity in Game 4 Defeat to Cavs
Bickerstaff called the 34-12 free-throw gap unacceptable after Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points and Cleveland evened the series at 2-2.
On Monday, the Detroit Pistons fell 112-103 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4, prompting head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to criticize the officiating. He called the 34-12 free-throw disparity "unacceptable."
Bickerstaff alleged the officiating "whistle has changed" since Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson publicly criticized refereeing before Game 3 regarding Donovan Mitchell's free-throw attempts. Atkinson had said the team needed to adapt to how games are called.
Cavaliers guard Mitchell led the rally with 43 points, including 15 free throws, while Pistons players Caris LeVert and Paul Reed acknowledged frustration. LeVert said the team must "feel like we're aggressive offensively, too" and "play through it."
With the Eastern Conference semifinals series now tied 2-2, Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Cleveland erased a halftime deficit with a historic 24-0 run in the third quarter.
Detroit now faces the challenge of regaining control on the road, as the team must improve execution to overcome Cleveland's undefeated home-court advantage during the postseason. Bickerstaff emphasized the Pistons still have an opportunity if they respond better.