It’s postseason basketball.
There is a difference between regular season basketball in the NBA, versus playoff basketball.
The officials tend to swallow their whistles more and let the games get more physical while trying not to get too involved.
In Game 2 between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons, that much was on display, as the game turned into a slugfest.
The Pistons prevailed 100-94 after losing Game 1, to tie the series at one apiece, stealing home court advantage in the process.
With the win, Detroit ended its 17-year drought without a single playoff victory.
They were in the midst of an NBA-record playoff losing streak of 15 games.
The last time the Pistons won a postseason game was May 26, 2008.
16 years, 10 months and 28 days.
Pistons star Cade Cunningham paced his team to victory, finishing with 33 points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
Meanwhile, Knicks star Jalen Brunson came under heavy criticism during and after the game for his foul-baiting technique of trying to draw shooting fouls while on offense.
The NBA world took notice and was not too fond of the style of play.
“At a certain point, this isn’t even a basketball play,” one angry fan posted on X.
“You can technically call these shot attempts, but Jalen Brunson didn’t even try to get these near the cylinder. There just should be no place for this in the game of basketball.”
“Sorry if this offends but I do not enjoy watching Jalen Brunson when it’s iso ball/foul baiting,” another fan posted on X.
“About to watch Jalen Brunson back his a** up on defenders trying to get a foul call for 48 minutes,” one more fan chimed in.
Brunson finished Game 2 with 37 points, seven assists, and three rebounds.
He shot 11 free throws, making nine.
After the game, he spoke on how he felt he played and what he can do to improve.
“I feel like I’m getting in spots and missing shots that I normally make,” Brunson said.
“And I feel like it could be a lot better. And I hold myself to a higher standard than that. And I just have to put my team in position to win. And all the other stuff doesn’t matter.
“The stats, when it comes to a loss, it doesn’t matter at all. I just got to help my team and put them in position to win, and tonight I didn’t do that.”
He then went on to take responsibility for the loss.
“It’s on my shoulders,” he said.
“I’m not gonna point fingers and say some people need to do that and this. It’s on me to make sure I set the table.
“I’ll go back and I’ll figure out what I need to do… We’ll come back better for Game 3.”
Game 3 is on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
The arena is going to be absolutely buzzing with electricity.
The home crowd is going to let Brunson hear it every time he tries to draw a foul.
Foul-baiting or not, it’s the postseason. The calls aren’t going to always come.
It’s on Brunson to find a different way.
