The league-leading Detroit Pistons narrowly escaped with a 122-119 overtime win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at Little Caesars Arena. The three-hour, 22-minute marathon featured weak leads, significant disqualifications and an awkward 18-minute delay in the third quarter when a power surge caused the arena’s scoreboard horn to sound continuously.
However, the most hilarious moment came when Kenny Atkinson was caught swearing on the touchline after a call was not favorable to his team.
“He pushed out of himself on that end, come on baby!” According to a clip on X by Bleacher Report, he was heard yelling at the referee.
The Cavs were in control with a nine-point lead with less than four minutes left on the clock. However, he allowed the Pistons to get back into the game despite Cade Cunningham fouling out about two minutes early.
The Cavs committed a costly turnover and allowed the Pistons to take the lead with 4.7 seconds on the clock with a defensive error. Guard Jaylon Tyson intentionally attempted to foul Pistons reserve Dennis Jenkins near halfcourt to block a game-tying three-point attempt.
Instead, he committed a three-shot foul, resulting in the free throw being converted and forcing overtime. The Pistons quickly took a six-point lead in OT, but the Cavaliers once again got back to within one point behind a Tyson 3-pointer and a Dennis Schroder layup.
After a successful Coach’s challenge by Detroit, Tobias Harris hit a clutch turnaround jumper with 21 seconds remaining, giving the Pistons a three-point cushion. Cleveland had one final opportunity to force double-overtime, but Mobley’s buzzer-beating 3-point attempt clinched the victory.
For the Pistons, Jalen Duren led his team by producing 33 points and 16 rebounds with Cunningham adding 25 points and 10 rebounds with seven assists.
Jarrett Allen top-scored for Cleveland, continuing his great form with 25 points and nine rebounds, missing the double-double for only the second time in the last 10 games. Evan Mobley scored 23 points while Sam Merrill also added 20 points.
Regardless, the Cavs were close to a win despite the absence of both Donovan Mitchell and James Harden and will next play the Brooklyn Nets.
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