OKLAHOMA CITY >> The Detroit Pistons dropped their second straight game in Wednesday’s 119-103 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.

The Pistons were facing the league’s best team and MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but the loss could be attributed easily to Detroit’s lack of players for various reasons. Ron Holland II, Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart each served a suspension for their roles in Sunday’s dust-up against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The melee that spilled into the front row of the Target Center caused the Pistons to receive the bulk of the backlash over the previous three days, which prompted Pistons team owner Tom Gores to release a statement in support of his team and players Wednesday night.

“In recent days, our team has faced scrutiny stemming from moments of intensity on the court. Let me be absolutely clear: We stand behind our players,” Gores said in a statement. “Detroit has always been a city that plays with hustle and pride. The Pistons have never shied away from playing hard and having each other’s backs, and we won’t start now. In Detroit, we rise together.”

Although the Pistons will welcome Holland and Sasser back for today’s road contest against the Toronto Raptors, Stewart will have to sit out for an additional game.

Stewart wasn’t a main perpetrator in the skirmish, but the league suspended the veteran forward for two games because of his involvement in the incident and his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.” Stewart’s punishment demonstrated that his reputation influences the penalties he receives from the league.

“To our players and coaches, continue to work hard and play hard. We see you. We appreciate you. We support you,” Gores continued.

“Your dedication fuels this franchise, and your courage inspires us all, our fans. Thank you for riding with us through every game, battle, and moment. Your energy fuels our players and makes the Pistons who we are. Together, we will keep building together. We will keep competing. And together, we will keep proving that Detroit basketball is more than a game. It’s a way of life.”

Gores did not have high expectations entering this season; however, the Pistons’ resurgence has led him not to place any limitations ahead of the playoffs. The Pistons already have tripled their win total from last season, and they sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 42-34 record.

“Our owner is awesome; his care for this team and these guys is above and beyond anything I’ve seen,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “His support is everlasting, and it’s awesome. It feels great to be a part of. He’s a competitor, too, and loves how the guys compete. They represent him.”