X is more tricky to navigate than in previous years, especially regarding filtering fake from legitimate news. In the Indiana Pacers' 132-130 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, the latter team's broadcast reported fake news.
On Saturday, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Detroit Pistons 113-107. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for 48 points in the win, recording a perfect 10 for 10 from the charity stripe.
Following the contest, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff went on an instant classic rant of how his team deserves more respect from the referees and how the Thunder benefitted from questionable whistles, implying Gilgeous-Alexander as the primary beneficiary.
One would expect the league office to come down heavy with a fine. NBA Centel, an X account infamous for spreading false information, as the account momentarily received a suspension, tricked the Timberwolves' broadcast.
During the Pacers vs. Timberwolves contest, Michael Grady and Jim Petersen commented on the NBA Centel faux report, "J.B. Bickerstaff has been fined $100,000 for publicly criticizing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander via Chris Haynes."
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"He was fined $100,000 by the NBA," Grady replied. "I'm sure he's not paying that," Petersen quickly responded.
Although Bickerstaff is likely to face a fine, as the NBA's league office doesn't take kindly to openly criticizing its officials, no official reports have surfaced or even hinted at the price of a potential financial punishment for the Pistons head coach.
Getting duped by NBA Centel is embarrassing, especially for professional broadcasters. However, watching the team you are paid to cover lose to the Pacers without Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and Pascal Siakam will quickly help you forget about falling for fake news.
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This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 12:42 PM.