Fans Explode Over Cavs-Pistons No-Call
The Cleveland Cavaliers are now one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals, but NBA fans are still arguing about the controversial ending that completely changed Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons.
In what quickly became one of the most intense playoff games of the postseason, Cleveland survived Detroit 117-113 in overtime Wednesday night after a dramatic final sequence in regulation left Pistons players.
Controversial Final Sequence Sparks Massive Debate
With the game tied late in regulation, Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell attempted to create the game-winning shot before losing control of the basketball during a drive to the basket.
Pistons defender Ausar Thompson made a huge defensive play to knock the ball loose and raced toward it as the final seconds ticked away.
But before Thompson could fully recover the ball, Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen collided with him, sending the Detroit forward crashing to the floor.
Instead of Thompson heading to the free-throw line with a chance to win the game, regulation ended seconds later and Cleveland eventually took over in overtime.
Pistons Coach JB Bickerstaff Didn’t Hold Back
Detroit head coach JB Bickerstaff made it very clear after the game that he believed officials missed an obvious foul.“He fouled Ausar. It was clear,” Bickerstaff said after the loss. “He tripped him going for a loose ball.”
Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham also agreed with the frustration surrounding the play and backed his teammate afterward.
Even several national NBA analysts admitted they believed the contact should have resulted in free throws for Detroit.
Some Believe Officials Made The Correct Decision
Many argued that both players were simply battling for a loose ball and that deciding a playoff game on a foul call far from the basket would have created even more controversy.
Others pointed out there were less than two seconds remaining, meaning Thompson likely would not have had enough time to get off a clean shot regardless.
Some fans even accused Thompson of exaggerating the contact in hopes of drawing a whistle.The debate instantly became one of the biggest talking points of the NBA playoffs so far.
Cavaliers Take Control Of The Series
Lost in the controversy was another huge performance from Donovan Mitchell, who once again carried Cleveland offensively during crucial moments.
Now Cleveland holds a 3-2 series lead and sits just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Meanwhile, the Pistons now face enormous pressure heading into Game 6 as they attempt to keep their season alive on the road.
NBA Fans Continue Arguing Online
As clips of the final sequence continue circulating online, NBA fans remain completely divided over whether referees made the correct decision.
Others believe a whistle should not decide playoff basketball during a scramble for a loose ball near halfcourt.