Cade Cunningham Ejected as Pistons Fall to Thunder in Controversial Matchup

DETROIT, Mich. — Cade Cunningham’s recent performance has been a significant storyline for the Detroit Pistons this season. However, in their latest matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, his efforts were dimmed by a controversial ejection. Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Thunder praised Cunningham’s play style in his pregame remarks, likening him to stars James Harden and Luka Doncic.

“Cunningham, he’s the Harden/Doncic archetype of handler because he’s just a load physically,” Daigneault said. “He’s big and strong and can get to spots on the floor with just sheer strength and physicality… He’s a handful. He also processes the game really well.”

Despite the accolades, Cunningham struggled on the court, recording just 11 points on a dismal 5-for-18 shooting night. His frustration culminated in a heated exchange with officials, earning him two technical fouls and an ejection at the end of the third quarter.

“Cunningham was given his first technical foul for disrespectfully addressing an official with profanity,” crew chief James Forte explained in a postgame pool report. “After the free throw for the first technical was shot, he continued to use profanity towards the official and received his second technical foul.”

The ejection severely handicapped the Pistons, who despite Cunningham’s absence, managed to challenge the Thunder, ultimately falling 113-107. A stellar performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 48 points, guided Oklahoma City to victory, while Detroit’s efforts were marked by missed opportunities and frustration over refereeing.

Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed his discontent with the officiating after the game, pointing to discrepancies that hampered his team. “I’m disgusted by the way that game was officiated,” he said. “The level of disrespect was above and beyond.”

The Pistons committed five technical fouls, while the Thunder did not receive any, indicating a troubling trend that has persisted throughout the season. Bickerstaff highlighted a need for the referees to treat his developing team with more respect. “We’re growing young players. The least that they could do is get the same level of respect that everybody else in this league gets,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Pistons will attempt to regroup as they prepare to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. Cunningham’s potential remains undeniable, and the hope is that he can bounce back from this setback against a solid opponent.