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• By Michael Kaskey-Blomain

• Updated May 14, 2026 at 1:23am

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JB Bickerstaff calls out officials after Donovan Mitchell free throw disparity

Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was not happy with the officiating at the end of regulation of Detroit’s 117-113 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Bickerstaff (and many people on social media) thinks that the referees missed a call in the closing seconds of the contest that could have potentially altered the outcome.

J.B. Bickerstaff Laments Lack of Foul Call in Closing Seconds of Regulation of Game 5

GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 25, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

With the game tied at 103 and the clock winding down, Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen appeared to bump, and potentially foul, Pistons guard Ausar Thompson. However, no whistle was blown and the clock expired, sending the game into overtime.

The Pistons went on to lose the game in overtime and afterwards, Bickerstaff expressed his displeasure with the no-call.

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

Had a foul been called, Thompson would have headed to the line for two free throws. He probably could have iced the game and avoided overtime entirely with a make.

This story will be updated.