Cavaliers Defeat Pistons in Overtime Playoff Game 4

Why it matters locally: The Cleveland Cavaliers represent Ohio in the NBA, and their advancement in the playoffs is a significant event for sports fans across the state.

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime in Game 4 of their playoff series at Little Caesars Arena. This victory gives the Cavaliers a 3-1 lead in the series against the 1-seed Pistons. The game concluded its regulation tied at 103-103. With under two seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Pistons forward Ausar Thompson attempted to recover the ball following a block of Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell's shot. Thompson then made contact with Cavaliers player Jarrett Allen. Officials did not call a foul on the play, sending the game into overtime. Referee Tony Brothers provided an explanation for the decision after the game, stating, "During live play, both players were going for the ball and there was incidental contact with the legs with no player having possession of the ball." The league office will review the play and post it in the L2M (Last Two Minute Report). Ausar Thompson commented on the officials' general lack of explanations for foul calls during the game. He attributed the loss to the Pistons' own performance rather than the no-call.