The Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder have had bad blood since the Pistons’ acquired Reggie Jackson from Oklahoma City at the trade deadline last season. After Durant’s comments, expect their feud to continue.
The Pistons/Thunder war of words started with comments by Russell Westbrook directly after the game against the Pistons, because Westbrook felt that Reggie Jackson went too far with his celebrating.
Then came Kevin Durant’s comments where he felt the need to chime in despite no retort from any of the Pistons’ players, or members of the coaching staff.
Durant’s comments in particular where ridiculous:
"“It was bush league, in my opinion. Jumping up and down, running around … I understand you helped them win the game, but our whole team didn’t play. We’d have beat the hell out of them if we did, you know? I know I don’t talk like that but it pisses me off. What can I do about it? Some guys are who they are. They won the game. Congrats.”"
Most of the news has gotten to the Pistons–both players and coaches.
Their responses indicate that they are taking the high road.
Van Gundy via Detroit Free Press:
"“To me, that kind of stuff happens in every NBA game,” Van Gundy said. “I haven’t been in an NBA game yet where somebody wasn’t talking and doing something.“Do I like it? I don’t, but that’s a players’ thing.“I didn’t think there was anything over the top. There’s nothing to address. There wasn’t anybody cheap-shotting anybody. That’s between those guys.”"
Jackson elected to vaguely talk about his experiences with the Thunder organization and his aspirations for the remainder of the season:
"“I played there for 31/2 years,” Jackson said. “I have some good memories. Got some ups, downs, had some battles. Not really much going on now.“I’m just here with Detroit, of course, trying to get as many wins as possible and hopefully lead our team to the playoffs.”"
While Jackson and Van Gundy decided to brush Durant’s comments under the rug, rookie Stanley Johnson took particular offense to what Durant had to say:
"“If he wanted to have an impact on the game, he should have just played,” Johnson said after this morning’s shoot-around.“No one is scared of playing against him on this side of town,” Johnson said. “Next year we have two games scheduled, and I know, for me, it’s circled on my schedule from now on.”“I don’t think we’re something to play with,” Johnson said. “I think we can be a playoff team and you gotta respect that. I think by saying that, he disrespected our whole team.”"
I think most of the Pistons’ locker room probably feels the way Johnson does. Durant’s comments were petty and unnecessary.
Both Durant and Westbrook’s comments show that they are clearly not over Reggie Jackson, no matter how much they choose to ignore his existence.