Detroit Broadcaster Rips Wizards Players for Laughing During Blowout Loss

Pistons play-by-play announcer George Blaha criticized Washington players' demeanor during their 16-53 season.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:57am

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During a blowout win for the Detroit Pistons over the Washington Wizards, longtime Pistons play-by-play announcer George Blaha took exception to a couple of Wizards players laughing on the sidelines during a timeout, saying "I know I'd be laughing if I lost that many games." The Pistons won the game 117-95, improving to 50-19 on the season, while the struggling Wizards dropped to 16-53, the second-worst record in the NBA.

Why it matters

Blaha's comments highlight the frustration felt by fans and media members when players on losing teams appear to lack intensity or focus during games. As a respected voice of the Pistons for decades, Blaha's criticism carries weight and reflects the high expectations Detroit fans have for their team, even in lopsided victories.

The details

With the Pistons playing without star Cade Cunningham due to a collapsed lung, they still managed to dominate the Wizards, led by a 24-point, 11-rebound performance from Jalen Duren. During a timeout, the cameras panned to Wizards players Bub Carrington and Anthony Gill laughing on the bench, prompting Blaha to call them out for their apparent lack of engagement despite their team's poor 16-53 record.

  • The game took place on Thursday, March 20, 2026.

The players

George Blaha

The longtime play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Pistons, who has been the voice of the team since 1976.

Jalen Duren

A Pistons player who led the team with 24 points and 11 rebounds in the win over the Wizards.

Bub Carrington

A guard for the Washington Wizards who finished the game with 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting.

Anthony Gill

A forward for the Washington Wizards who went scoreless in 24 minutes of play.

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What they’re saying

“It's a big laugh-fest over on the Wizards bench. I know I'd be laughing if I lost that many games.”

— George Blaha, Pistons Play-by-Play Announcer

What’s next

The Pistons will continue their push for a top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, but will have to do so without Cade Cunningham for at least the next two weeks.

The takeaway

Blaha's criticism of the Wizards' players' demeanor during a blowout loss highlights the high expectations fans and media have for professional athletes, even on struggling teams. It serves as a reminder that a lack of effort or engagement can draw the ire of those who are passionate about the sport.