The NBA has defended its officials’ decision not to call a foul on the Cavaliers in the closing minutes of their recent game against the Pistons, which ended with Cleveland winning in overtime. According to the league’s final two-minute report, both Jarrett Allen and Ausar Thompson, while pursuing a loose ball, legally stepped into the same area and lost their balance due to minor contact.
But that seems off, right? A video replay clearly shows Allen tripping Thompson, resulting in a foul. If that had been called, Thompson would have stood at the free-throw line with less than a second remaining and the score tied at 103.
“That’s a real trip,” game analyst Tim Legler commented after reviewing the play, noting the critical timing of the incident.
Sure, Thompson’s free-throw shooting isn’t the highest at 60 percent, but had the officials made the right call, Detroit’s chances of winning would have significantly improved.
Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff was in agreement, saying, “I tripped him when I went for the loose ball,” and he expressed frustration over the officiating throughout the series, especially highlighting the disparity in free-throw attempts during Game 4.
“That’s unacceptable,” Bickerstaff remarked, adding that the refereeing has changed considerably in Cleveland’s favor. Detroit only had 12 free throws during this game, while Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell alone made 15.
Despite the criticism, crew chief Tony Brothers stood by the no-call, stating that during live play, accidental contact occurred between both players as they reached for the ball. He mentioned that the play would be reviewed by the league office.
The Cavaliers are set to face the Pistons again in Game 6 on Friday, and Detroit is looking for a more favorable ruling this time around.
