NBA Admits Non-Call in Pistons vs. Cavs Game Was Correct

The National Basketball Association has officially stated that a pivotal non-call during the Detroit Pistons' recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers was correctly handled by officials. The league's Last Two Minute Report, released on Thursday, reviewed the final moments of regulation and overtime in the Cavaliers' 117-113 victory.

During the closing seconds of regulation, Pistons forward Ausar Thompson became entangled with Cavaliers player Jarrett Allen while competing for a loose ball, leading to Thompson falling. The NBA concluded that both players legally converged on the same spot, and the resulting marginal contact caused both to lose their balance, meaning no foul occurred.

This ruling means the game proceeded to overtime, where Donovan Mitchell scored seven of his 21 points to help secure the Cavaliers' 3-2 series lead. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff had previously voiced his strong disagreement with the non-call, describing it as a "clear" foul that would have sent Thompson to the free-throw line for potentially game-winning shots.

This is not the first instance of Bickerstaff publicly questioning the officiating in this series. Following a previous game where Mitchell's performance and free-throw disparity were significant factors, Bickerstaff deemed the free-throw count "unacceptable." The series is set to continue with Game 6 in Cleveland on Friday.