Pistons rookie Stanley Johnson: ‘No one is scared’ of Durant, Thunder
Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.
Detroit Pistons rookie Stanley Johnson continued the war of words between his team and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
Both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant took exception to former OKC guard Reggie Jackson’s celebrations after the Pistons won 88–82 on Tuesday. Immediately after the game, Westbrook said it was “bulls---,” and was extremely critical of his former teammate.
“It was bush league, in my opinion,” Durant, who sat out the game to rest, said on Thursday. “Jumping up and down, running around. I understand you’re happy you won the game, but our whole team didn’t play. We would’ve beat the hell out of them if it did.”
• SHARP: Durant conspiracy theories
“That’s uncalled for,” Johnson told reporters Friday in response. “If he wanted to have an impact on the game he should have just played.”
“No one is scared of playing against [Durant or the Thunder] on this side of town,” he added.
Johnson said he felt disrespected and that he would circle future games against OKC on his calendar.
Jackson also spoke with reporters, adding, “I don’t think anybody likes us. It’s still Detroit vs. everybody. That’s still how our mentality is.”
Jackson played with the Thunder last season before being traded at the deadline to the Pistons. Jackson re-signed with Detroit for five years, $80 million in the off-season.