NBA backs no-call in Cavs’ Game 5 win over Pistons

The Pistons did not like how Game 5 ended. The NBA says the officials got it right.

Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff was vocal after the loss to Cleveland, pointing to a late sequence involving Jarrett Allen and Ausar Thompson that went uncalled.

“[Allen] fouled Ausar,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s clear. He trips him when he’s going for a loose ball. End of game situation, that’s tough.”

Crew chief Tony Brothers saw it differently in real time, calling the contact incidental as both players chased a loose ball. The league agreed.

In its Last Two Minute Report, the NBA ruled the play was correctly officiated, stating Allen and Thompson “legally step to the same spot” and lost their balance due to marginal contact.

That was not the only moment under review.

A late overtime foul on Paul Reed against James Harden also drew protests from Detroit, with the Pistons arguing Harden had stepped out of bounds first.

The league again sided with the officials, ruling Harden remained inbounds before the illegal contact.

In total, the report found no incorrect calls in the final two minutes of regulation or overtime.

The debate will continue. The result stands. Game 6 is Friday at Rocket Arena.