Before their game Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Detroit Pistons paid tribute to the victims of last week’s tragic mass shooting at Oxford High School.
The Pistons marched onto the court for pregame warmups in Oxford Wildcats T-shirts. John Mason, the team’s longtime PA announcer, gave a dedication and asked for a moment of silence for the four students who died — Tate Myre, Justin Shilling, Hana St. Juliana, and Madisyn Baldwin. Their names and photos were shown on the Jumbotron before the Pistons’ pregame introductions.
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The national anthem was performed by Annie Calvaneso, a daughter of a reserve police officer in Oxford. The tribute extended into the game, as the Pistons wore ribbons across the top-left of their jerseys.
Head coach Dwane Casey gave his condolences to the Oxford High School victims last Tuesday before the Pistons played the Trail Blazers in Portland.
“It bothers you that you can’t send your kids to school and expect them to be safe,” Casey said before thanking the quick responders.
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