Horn malfunction delays Pistons-Cavaliers for 18 minutes after power surge
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A power surge at Little Caesars Arena triggered a continuous horn blast and sidelined Friday night’s game between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers for 18 minutes.
The malfunction struck midway through the third quarter on Feb. 28, 2026, with Detroit holding a 65–64 edge in a contest the Pistons eventually won 122–119 in overtime. The surge disrupted the overhead scoreboard, and the horn that normally signals a timeout would not stop despite arena workers’ efforts.
Players initially returned to their benches before officials instructed them to warm up on the court while technicians searched for a fix. After roughly 13 minutes, arena staff powered down the scoreboard entirely, finally silencing the horn and drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
With the main scoreboard dark, the scoring crew relied on a handheld air horn, and referees brought Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson to midcourt to confirm play would continue without the arena display. Moments after action resumed, the scoreboard came back online without further incident.
Source: ESPN
