Can we please, for just a moment, drift off to Neverland and imagine the unimaginable.
That the Three Blind Mice the NBA had officiating Game 4 of the Pistons-Knicks playoff series didn’t miss THE CALL.
It was obvious Josh Hart fouled Tim Hardaway Jr.
The officials not only swallowed their whistles, but spit up the NBA’s credibility in the process.
After beating the Knicks Tuesday, the Pistons should be coming home to Little Caesars Arena with a chance to clinch their first playoff series victory since 2008. Sure, it’s going to be crazy Thursday anyway, but not to the degree if the Pistons had their rightful chance to clinch.
As is, the Pistons are still a long shot, although they haven’t exactly struggled at Madison Square Garden.
Of course, this is ridiculous in 2025. Each major professional sports league has instituted extensive review into their fabric, including the NBA. That there was nothing in place by the NBA to prevent this from happening is egregious.
The Detroit vs. Everybody lament is stale and lame. It’s relevant. Nobody is out to get Detroit specifically. Yet, if the shoe were on the other foot, and the Knicks were the victims of the NBA’s incompetence, it is undeniable the reaction would have been much harsher.
Not only would it be the utter obsession of ESPN, FOX and the most followed sports podcasters, it would have been a major story on news networks and websites.
There was a perception before the start of this series that the Knicks were the superior team. It was understandable. The Knicks had a much better record during the regular season. They have playoff experience as a unit. Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns are borderline elite NBA players.
But the Pistons have proven to be at least the Knicks’ equal. They have routinely won in New York. Cade Cunningham is the best player on either team, and the Pistons have superior overall athleticism.
Yet, they might lose this series regardless because of a blown call.
At least the league didn’t duck from the mistake, but that’s not a consolation prize for the Pistons and their long-suffering fans.
They deserve so much better, as does, frankly, basketball at its highest level.