Pistons' J.B. Bickerstaff calls officiating 'unacceptable' after Game 4 loss to Cavaliers

The Detroit Pistons started out their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers with the looks and vibe of a blowout, going 2-0 after their first two games in front of a hometown crowd in Detroit.

But that changed in a significant way when the Eastern Conference semifinals moved to Cleveland. Now, the series is all tied up, 2-2, after the Cavs' latest win over the Pistons.

On Monday, the Cavaliers towered over the Pistons through much of their Game 4 matchup, and although it got close at the end, Cleveland pulled off a 112-103 victory.

Donovan Mitchell of the Cavs made history during the game and tied an NBA playoff record with 39 points in the second half. Mitchell finished the game with 43 points, including 15 during a 24-0 run for Cleveland in the second half. The Cavs' biggest lead was 21 points in the fourth quarter.

After the game, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was not a happy camper. But he wasn't angry at his team. He took a swing at the refs, not literally, but in speech after the showdown.

Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff calls out refs after Game 4 loss to Cavs

Following the game, speaking to reporters, Bickerstaff made his thoughts on the officiating known.

"It's unacceptable. Ever since we came to Cleveland, the whistle has changed," he told reporters via Underdog NBA. "You know, there's no way that one guy on their team shoots more free throws than our team."

He added: "We're not a settle team. We're not a jump-shooting team. We drive the ball, attack the paint. What was done out there tonight, it's frustrating, but we can't allow that to be the reason why..."

But there were some bright spots for Detroit. Caris LeVert had an impressive showing with a season-high 24 points in Game 4. Cade Cunningham scored 19 points, marking the first time he's clocked under 20 in 11 playoff games this season. Tobias Harris had 16 points. But, in general, it was an off night for Detroit.

Despite the showing, the Pistons have reason to be optimistic. The team came back from a 3-1 deficit against the Orlando Magic in the previous series, so they know how to rebound. Plus, on Wednesday, the series returns to downtown Detroit, and that hometown crowd may be just the push they need to get this series over the finish line.