Was that a foul? Pistons lose in OT after no-call costs them free throws at end of regulation

May 14, 2026 - 02:12

It sure looked like Jarrett Allen tripped Ausar Thompson. With the Detroit Pistons trailing by two points in the final seconds of regulation on Wednesday night, Thompson drove hard to the basket. As he attempted a layup, Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen appeared to stick out a leg, sending Thompson stumbling to the floor. The whistle never blew. The play was ruled a clean block, and the game went to overtime, where the Cavaliers pulled away for a 118-111 victory.

Replays showed clear contact between Allen's lower body and Thompson's legs as the rookie tried to finish. Pistons coach Monty Williams argued the call on the court but was not given an explanation. The no-call meant Detroit lost a chance to tie the game with free throws. Instead, they were forced into an extra period where they ran out of gas, shooting just 3-for-12 from the field.

The loss drops the Pistons to 8-42, the worst record in the NBA. For a team already struggling to find wins, moments like this sting even more. Thompson finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds, but the missed call will be the lasting image. The league's Last Two Minute Report may eventually confirm the error, but it does not change the result. Detroit now heads into a tough stretch of games, still searching for any break that goes their way.