Missed Chances, Missed Calls, and Missed Opportunity: Pistons Fall to Cavaliers in OT, 117-113
The Detroit Pistons had Little Caesars Arena rocking Wednesday night and looked ready to take control of the series… until another heartbreaking finish slipped away.
With Duncan Robinson ruled out due to low back soreness, rookie guard Daniss Jenkins got the starting nod in one of the biggest games of Detroit’s season. Jenkins answered the call early as the Pistons battled Cleveland possession for possession in a physical first quarter.
Things turned heated in the second quarter when Cleveland’s Jaylon Tyson got into it with Isaiah Stewart and Tobias Harris, leading to a technical foul on Tyson. Detroit fed off that energy.
Tobias Harris took over offensively, Marcus Sasser provided quality minutes off the bench, and the Pistons caught fire—shooting a perfect 6-for-6 at one point in the quarter while building momentum and forcing a Cleveland timeout.
But once again, officiating became part of the story.
A questionable whistle from Tyler Ford sent James Harden to the line for three free throws, helping spark a Cleveland run. On the very next possession, Cade Cunningham appeared to draw contact on a three-point attempt—no whistle.
Despite the momentum swings, Detroit entered halftime with control.
Cleveland Adjusts in the Third
The Cavaliers came out of the locker room taking much better care of the basketball, limiting the live-ball turnovers that hurt them in the first half.
Detroit struggled to capitalize offensively, while Cleveland used efficient half-court execution to win the third quarter and swing momentum back their way.
Still, the Pistons refused to fold.
Fourth Quarter Chaos
Midway through the fourth, Detroit ripped off a 10-0 run and built a 95-89 lead with just over five minutes remaining.
Then Ausar Thompson delivered one of the biggest plays of the night—a monster block on Jarrett Allen that sent Little Caesars Arena into a frenzy.
But Cleveland kept answering.
Max Strus, who finished with six three-pointers, delivered shot after shot, keeping the Cavaliers within striking distance.
Then came more controversy.
A questionable foul call sent Cleveland to the line, where they tied the game at 103 with 45.2 seconds remaining.
Detroit used its final timeout.
With Cleveland holding for the final shot, Ausar Thompson came up with what looked like a game-saving steal—only to be tripped by Jarrett Allen with no whistle from Tony Brothers, who was right on top of the play. Instead of free throws for Detroit…
Overtime.
Overtime Heartbreak
The Pistons struggled to find clean looks in overtime, but Cade Cunningham kept fighting.
He appeared to bury a clutch game-tying three, only for officials to review it and rule it a long two.
Detroit had one final chance, but Cleveland closed it out at the free throw line.
Final: Cavaliers 117, Pistons 113 (OT)
The Cavaliers now take their first road win of the postseason—and a 3-2 series lead.
Detroit now faces its biggest test of the season.
Game 6.
