The Detroit Pistons have the worst record in the NBA, but the competitive juices are still flowing for head coach Dwane Casey.
The Pistons trailed the Hawks by more than 20 points during the fourth quarter when Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter attempted to post up Detroit’s Jaden Ivey. He then lost control of the ball, which made its way out of bounds.
The ball was ruled as last touched by the Pistons, but Casey was seen irate on the sidelines. Casey challenged the call, which surprised Atlanta broadcasters Dominique Wilkins and Bob Rathbun.
“I’m going to say this,” Wilkins said. “What are you challenging for? I mean, for what? The game is over!”
Veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy also seemed shocked. As he made an announcement on the mic, you could hear a bit of sarcasm in his voice as he explained that the previous play was being reviewed.
Even Bill Kennedy is laughing at this Dwane Casey / Pistons challenge late in the fourth of a 20-point blowout. pic.twitter.com/GW9V59Sdxa
— Basketball Poetry (@bballispoetry) March 22, 2023
Rathbun speculated that even though the game was no longer within reach, Casey still wanted to prove a point and show that the out-of-bounds call was incorrect.
His instincts were correct and when Kennedy returned to the microphone, he announced that the coach’s challenge was successful. Kennedy held back his laughter as he informed the crowd that the ball would be rewarded to Detroit with 24 seconds on the shot clock.
With the ball back in their hands, the Pistons ran a play for Marvin Bagley III. The former No. 2 overall pick used the regained possession to post up on the left block, drive to the middle, and then miss a turnaround jumper.
Atlanta secured the rebound and gave the ball to Trae Young, who managed to connect on a difficult off-the-dribble 3-pointer. The Hawks went on to win, 129-107, and hold possession of the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
