David Richard-Imagn Images

NBA Referees Made a Mistake in Cavaliers-Pistons Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 9:04 PM ET

Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he was frustrated with his team's effort in the loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers but took notice of the way Cade Cunningham was officiated. The two-time All-Star was limited to 10 points and, according to his coach, could have added more from the free-throw line.

The two-time All-Star went to the line just twice.

“He had 14 assists, so he did the right thing. If they’re going to continue to send that amount of bodies at him, he finds teammates," Bickerstaff said via Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.

"That’s his responsibility. … I’m baffled by the fact that he drives as much as he does and tonight he shoots two free throws.”

The Pistons lost the game by four points, 113–109.

The NBA released its Last Two Minute Report, but what Bickerstaff was referring to was not included. Instead, it stated that the Pistons benefited from an incorrect call.

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren tries to escape the defense by Cleveland Cavaliers' Jarrett David Richard-Imagn Images

The L2M report said Jalen Duren should have been called for a three-second violation for staying too long in the paint at the 1:33 mark of the fourth quarter when his team was trailing by just three points. The report labeled it an incorrect non-call.

The report also clarified other controversial moments during the final two minutes. One example was the contested non-call involving Duncan Robinson, who attempted a three-pointer at the 49-second mark. The Pistons were trailing by five points at the time.

The L2M clarified that Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill made a legal contest on Robinson's attempt, making it a correct non-call.

Tuesday’s game was the second between the Pistons and the Cavaliers in one week. Detroit won the first meeting in overtime, which was also riddled with hotly contested calls. Most notable was the foul call on Jarrett Allen against Duren at the 48-second mark of the fourth quarter.

The L2M report for that game ruled it an incorrect call. Allen fouled out and missed the remainder of the game, and the Cavaliers lost by three points in overtime.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: