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Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau Calls Out Officiating and Defends Brunson’s Act During Knicks-Pistons Game

New York Knicks took 19 free throws Monday night against the Pistons, who took 34 in Game 2.

Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was unhappy with the officiating after his team’s 100-94 loss against the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of the playoff series. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart rallied the Knicks to tie the game at 94 points, but Schroder’s go-ahead 3-pointer led the Pistons to tie the series 1-1. It was Detroit’s first playoff victory since 2008.

Tom Thibodeau raised questions on the officiating after the game. Detroit made 15 more free throws than New York, which helped them gain an advantage. The Pistons scored 12 more points than the Knicks at the line. The topic of discussion was Brunson’s attempts to draw fouls on both ends of the floor. The Knicks’ head coach wasn’t happy with the free-throw discrepancy in Game 2.

"He battled like crazy… huge discrepancy in free throws, huge. I've got to take a look at that"

Tom Thibodeau talks about Jalen Brunson's performance and tonight's officiating: pic.twitter.com/xuSLZqnWpB
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 22, 2025

Also Read: Pistons Squeeze Past Knicks to Snap 15-Game Playoff Losing Skid, End 17-year Drought of Postseason Win

Tom Thibodeau Calls Out Free Throw Discrepancy After Home Defeat

New York Knicks took 19 free throws Monday night against the Pistons, who took 34 in Game 2. There was a big gap in both teams’ free throw statistics at halftime when Pistons held a 55-49 lead. The Pistons shot 14 free throws to the Knicks’ two at halftime.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau called out free throw discrepancy after the game and showcased his frustration on officiating. Thibodeau took offense to this discrepancy and also defended Brunson’s act on the court. Jalen Brunson scoring 38 points on 12-of-27 shooting.

“Obviously huge discrepancy in free throws,” Thibodeau said. “Huge. I’ve got to take a look at that.”

Thibodeau felt a big gap in free throws between Jalen Brunson, his point guard, and Pistons’ Cade Cunningham. The latter All-Star received 12 free throws and missed only two. However, the free throws for both players were actually about even. Brunson shot 9-for-11 in free throws and attempted the only two given to the Knicks in first half.

"If Cade Cunningham's driving and there's marginal contact and he's getting to the line then Jalen Brunson deserves to be getting to the line as well. It's really that simple"

Tom Thibodeau on the free throw discrepancy between the Knicks and Pistonspic.twitter.com/sPmAUjQI51
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 22, 2025

“I don’t understand how on one side you talk about direct line drives. The guy is getting fouled and it’s not being called,” Thibodeau said. “And look, I don’t really give a crap how they call the game, as long as it’s consistent on both sides. So, if Cunningham is driving and there is marginal contact and he is getting to the line, then Jalen deserves to be getting to the line. It’s really that simple.”

Also Read: Cooper Flagg Declares for 2025 NBA Draft, Expected To Sign 4-Year, $62 Million Deal!

Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Dennis Schroder

Detroit Pistons

Jalen Brunson

Tom Thibodeau

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.