Cleveland edges Detroit in overtime after disputed finish
PUBLISHED May 14, 2026, 10:27 AM ET
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CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime on Wednesday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, taking a 3-2 lead in the series and securing their first road win of the postseason. Detroit appeared in control when Tobias Harris hit a three-pointer to put the Pistons ahead 103-94 with 3:03 remaining in regulation, but the offense stalled and they did not score again before overtime. Cleveland closed the gap behind a late pick-and-roll sequence featuring James Harden and Evan Mobley, with Harden extending possessions through multiple offensive rebounds and Donovan Mitchell and Mobley adding key baskets during the rally. The game’s most debated moment came in the final seconds of regulation with the score tied at 103. Ausar Thompson stripped Mitchell on a drive, and as Thompson and Jarrett Allen chased the loose ball, Allen appeared to trip Thompson before the ball went out of bounds as time expired. The Pistons were in the bonus, so a foul would have sent Thompson, a 57.1% free-throw shooter, to the line with a chance to win the game. No foul was called, and official Tony Brothers later described the contact as incidental, saying both players were going for the ball. Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff said Allen clearly fouled Thompson. The league’s Last Two Minute Report is expected to review the no-call, and a confirmed missed foul would give Detroit grounds for a formal grievance about the ending.
By Michael Grant | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Wednesday night Cavaliers host Pistons, Game 5
- Late fourth quarter Pistons lead 103-94
- Final minutes Cleveland closes scoring deficit
- Closing seconds loose-ball collision, no foul
- Regulation ends tied after controversial sequence
- Overtime period Cavaliers outscore slumping Pistons
- After game Bickerstaff disputes non-call publicly
- Upcoming league report to review final contact
News Intelligence
- This game's disputed finish could affect the Eastern Conference semifinals outcome. If you're a Pistons fan, you might feel robbed. If you're a Cavaliers fan, you might feel lucky. Either way, it's a reminder that every play counts in these high-stakes games.
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