“Review us for hostile act” – MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting favorable calls has another HC losing it

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting easy calls by NBA officials left Pistons HC J.B. Bickerstaff furious during post-game interview.

“Review us for hostile act” – MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting favorable calls has another HC losing it

J.B. Bickerstaff and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Detroit Pistons 113-107 on Saturday night in a game that was extremely frustrating for the Pistons. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 48 points and attempted 10 free throws, but that was just part of it. However, it wasn’t SGA’s 48 points that stole the headlines. Rather, it was Pistons HC J.B. Bickerstaff‘s post-game interview that made waves recently.

The officials dismissed Cade Cunningham after he made some choice remarks following an official review of Lu Dort‘s fall. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff maintained his control during the game, but he couldn’t contain himself afterward when he sat on the microphone and addressed the media. The coach was left furious with the NBA officials throughout the game.

The level of disrespect was above and beyond. They have a guy fall down and trip on his own teammate’s foot. They review us for a hostile act. They throw an elbow to our chest and neck area, I ask for them to at least take a look at it. Just show us the respect to take a look at it. O.K. No one would take a look at it. The disrespect has gone far enough.

J.B. Bickerstaff told the reporters
YouTube video

The Pistons were penalized for five technical fouls in the third quarter, which Bickerstaff couldn’t handle. In addition to Cunningham, Dennis Schroder also received a technical. The Pistons HC felt annoyed with Shai-Gilgeous Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder as he received favorable calls throughout the game.

FS Video

As he reached the climax of his interview, Bickerstaff slammed the table, crumpled the box score sheet, and left. Denver Nuggets’ HC Michael Malone did the same on Friday night, but for another reason. The Pistons’ emotional night concluded with a loss for the second time in a row. Bickerstaff will undoubtedly hear from the league after what he did.

Nikola Jokic edges Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in MVP rankings

Nikola Jokic has regained the lead in the NBA MVP race. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo are making compelling arguments, keeping the race tight. Meanwhile, LeBron James‘ slide mirrors the Los Angeles Lakers’ woes, propelling him lower down the rankings.

In this year’s case, Jokic and SGA are tipped to be the top 2 contenders for this year’s NBA MVP award. For Jokic, he stays in the top three in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals, an incredible pace with only one month left in the regular season. If he finishes that high in each of those groups, it will be an NBA first.

For SGA, he will not finish the season with the most steals as Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels has that title locked up. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s finish as the scoring leader and third in steals (1.8 spg) indicates his ability on both sides of the court. Moreover, the OKC Thunder remains on top of the Western Conference, which could help him.

Ultimately, it will come down to their individual performances and stats as the end of the regular season approaches. For now, Jokic seems to lead this race, with many former NBA players supporting the Serbian superstar. However, if SGA can lead the OKC to first place, he can surely win his first NBA MVP award.