Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham was ejected late in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, during a bizarre sequence that saw the Thunder attempt five free throws in one possession.
With 47.5 seconds left in the period, Isaiah Stewart was initially called for a loose ball foul against Thunder center Jaylin Williams. During a review by the officials after Lu Dort slipped on the same play, Cunningham was called for his first technical while having a conversation with a referee.
While players were at the line awaiting Williams’ free throws and continued discussing the calls, Cunningham and Dennis Schröder were both called for consecutive techs. Cunningham was ejected, and loud
“Ref, you suck” chants echoed through Little Caesars Arena as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knocked down all three technical free throws, followed by Williams splitting his two, to give the Thunder a 15-point lead, 88-73.
It was a rough game for Cunningham, who finished the game with 11 points, nine assists and seven rebounds on 5-for-18 (27.7%) shooting. It’s his second career ejection — he was also tossed on Jan. 16, 2022 after pointing to his own bench following a dunk.
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