Pistons lament late no-call as Cavaliers seize 3-2 series edge
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The Detroit Pistons believed rookie wing Ausar Thompson would get a chance to decide Game 5 at the free-throw line Wednesday after he collided with Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen while diving for a loose ball in the final seconds of regulation. Instead, officials ruled the contact incidental, leaving the score tied at 103-103 and sending the game to overtime, where Cleveland prevailed to take a 3-2 lead in the first-round series.
“He fouled Ausar. It’s clear. He trips him when he’s going for a loose ball,” Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, voicing frustration with the non-call. Crew chief Tony Brothers told a pool reporter that referees viewed the play as two players “legitimately” pursuing the ball.
Detroit squandered a nine-point cushion with less than three minutes left, missing its final six field-goal attempts of regulation. “We knew how important this game was,” guard Daniss Jenkins said. “We can’t lose that one. We’ve gotta be better.”
The Pistons erased a 3-1 deficit against Orlando in the previous round, and Bickerstaff insisted the club can rally again. “You’re going to have to choke the life out of this team,” he said. “We’re not gonna go down without kicking, punching, grabbing, clawing.” Game 6 is Friday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Offensive help for Cunningham still lacking
General manager Trajan Langdon and his staff are facing questions about the roster’s scoring depth. Cade Cunningham has been Detroit’s lone consistent creator, and the Pistons own a 91.5 offensive rating in clutch time across eight playoff games. Cunningham has 22 clutch points on 7-of-14 shooting; the rest of the roster has combined for 21 points on 8-of-26.
Robinson sits, Huerter limited
Sharpshooter Duncan Robinson was unavailable Wednesday because of a lower back issue after being listed as questionable. Veteran wing Kevin Huerter, out since Game 4 of the Orlando series with a strained left adductor, was active but logged only three scoreless minutes.
Pistons secure new local TV deal
Beginning next season, Pistons games will air free over the air on WMYD TV20 Detroit under a new agreement with Scripps Sports. “This move is for our fans,” owner Tom Gores said in a statement announcing the deal. The club was one of 13 NBA teams advised to seek new partners with Main Street Sports Group approaching insolvency.
The Cavaliers can clinch the series Friday; a Detroit win would force Game 7 at Little Caesars Arena.
Source: Hoops Rumors
