Cavaliers Edge Out Pistons in Controversial Game
The Cavaliers took a slight advantage on the road, which raised some eyebrows.
With just three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 5 on Wednesday, Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell was aiming for the game-winning shot when it was blocked by Pistons defender Ausar Thompson.
As the ball veered toward the sideline, Thompson sprinted after it, but Jarrett Allen came barreling in and seemed to step on Thompson’s foot, sending him crashing to the ground. The ball slipped away, and the clock ran out.
Many believe that Allen should have been called for a foul on the loose ball, which would have given Thompson a chance at a free throw, possibly sealing the game for Detroit.
Instead, the Cavaliers harnessed their momentum in the fourth quarter, defeating Detroit 117-113 in overtime. This victory also gave Cleveland a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Pistons were understandably upset about the no-call.
Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff commented after the game, “Ausar fouled, that’s obvious. He went for the loose ball and tripped him. The way the game ended, that’s tough.”
Star player Cade Cunningham expressed his frustration, saying, “That was a foul. It was a foul the whole game, but it wasn’t a foul at that moment.”
Fill-in starter Danis Jenkins added, “We, the Pistons, know it was a foul. But we don’t expect that.” It certainly seems like there’s an underlying tension brewing.
Crew chief Tony Brothers defended the non-call, stating, “During live play, both players were reaching for the ball and there was incidental foot contact, even though no player was in possession of the ball.”
The NBA will review the incident and provide a report to clarify if a foul should have been called.
Interestingly, this situation isn’t the only one favoring the Cavaliers. Cleveland has shot 100 free throws over the last three games, while the Pistons have only had 54 attempts.
Cleveland, having secured their last three wins, now faces a chance to sweep at home on Friday, with the Knicks waiting in the wings for the Eastern Conference finals.
