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Shannon Sharpe Defends Detroit Pistons Coach's Recent Tirade

ESPN host backs J.B. Bickerstaff's blowup over recent officiating.
Kevin McCormick|
Mar 13, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff reacts in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff reacts in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Detroit PistonsOklahoma City Thunder

Over the weekend, the Detroit Pistons found themselves in a heated matchup with the OKC Thunder. Visibly upset with the officiating, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff didn't hold back his emotions during a fiery postgame press conference. Days removed from the outburst, one analyst praised the Pistons coach for saying what needed to be said.

The Thunder shot nearly double the amount of free throws in their 113-107 victory over Detroit. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 10 attempts himself, just below what the Pistons shot as a team (13). However, the biggest impact the officials had on the game was ejecting Cade Cunningham in the final minute of the third quarter.

While on First Take, Shannon Sharpe gave his thoughts on Bickerstaff's remarks and the officiating of the game. He applauded the longtime coach for stepping up and feels his rant could yield dividends for Detroit later down the line.

"J.B. is absolutely correct. At some point in time, come on now," Sharpe said. "This was very sharp because he's sending a message for down the road."

While not to the degree he did on Saturday, Bickerstaff has discussed how the Pistons are treated by officials throughout the course of the season. Detroit has brought back their hard-nosed defensive identity, and he wants officials to see them through this lens when calling their games on a nightly basis.

As Sharpe said, this rant could be helping prepare the Pistons for the road ahead. With the postseason around the corner, he wants his players (especially a star like Cade Cunningham, to be treated like their counterparts around the league.

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Kevin McCormick
KEVIN MCCORMICK

Since graduating from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management, he's gone on to pursue a career in journalism covering the NBA. Some of his previous bylines include 97.3 ESPN, ClutchPoints, and Sportskeeda.

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