Monty Williams Calls Out Pistons Playing 'Irrational' After Historic 22-Straight Loss
Monty Williams wasn't pleased with his team's lack of composure after the Detroit Pistons fell to the Philadelphia 76ers by the final score of 124-92.
"There's competitive basketball, there's emotional basketball and then there's irrational," Williams said, per ESPN. "Sometimes we let it get past emotional and get irrational and it has nothing to do with the game."
76ers guard Patrick Beverley reportedly approached Pistons center Isaiah Stewart during warm-ups for a brief verbal altercation that was eventually broken up by security. While the situation didn't escalate further, both Stewart and Joel Embiid received technical fouls in the second quarter after chirping at each other while the reigning MVP was shooting free throws.
The Pistons lost their 22nd straight game on Friday night, the longest streak in franchise history. They're getting close to the NBA record of 28 consecutive defeats, which was set by the 76ers during the end of the 2014-15 season and the start of the 2015-16 season.
"It's deflating," Williams said in regards to the streak. "It is what it is. It's a lot of repetitive games."
After entering the season with hopes of potentially competing for a play-in tournament spot led by former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, Detroit has begun the year with a 2-23 record instead. The Pistons' next chance to break the streak comes on Saturday, when they'll go up against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. ET.
