Pistons’ JB Bickerstaff gets blunt on controversial 4th quarter ending vs. Cavs

The Detroit Pistons blew a nine-point advantage in the fourth quarter and allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers to complete the comeback in overtime, 117-113, to take Game 5 at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.

The Pistons became the first home team to lose in the best-of-seven affair, as the Cavaliers took a 3-2 lead, moving them an inch closer to reaching the conference finals against the New York Knicks.

The game was not without controversy. With the game tied with two seconds left in regulation, Ausar Thompson knocked the ball off Donovan Mitchell to steal the possession. Thompson appeared to be tripped by Jarrett Allen. However, no foul was called, and Thompson lost the ball to the sideline.

After their defeat, Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff did not hold back on the controversial play.

“He (Allen) fouled Ausar. It’s clear. He trips him when he’s going for a loose ball. (Considering) the game situation, that’s tough,” said Bickerstaff.

"[Jarrett Allen] fouled Ausar [Thompson]. He trips him when he's going for a loose ball… That's tough."

JB Bickerstaff speaks on the final play of regulation

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/SYb5x96qCk https://t.co/lH9SXqW2eO

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 14, 2026

A foul call on Allen would have given Thompson two free throws since the Cavaliers were already in penalty.

Cleveland retained possession after the non-whistle. Thompson made a huge block on Mitchell to force the extension, 103-103.

Detroit had multiple chances to win in overtime, but the Cavaliers held on, led by Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley.

Thompson had six points, seven rebounds, five assists, four steals, and three blocks.

The Pistons will try to stay alive in Game 6 at Rocket Arena on Friday. They beat the Orlando Magic on the road in Game 6 in the first round.

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