J.B. Bickerstaff, coach of the Detroit Pistons, disagrees with the NBA's Last Two Minute Report regarding a foul call in Game 5 against the Cavaliers. He asserts that Cleveland's Jarrett Allen fouled Detroit's Ausar Thompson in the final moments of the game.
Key points
J.B. Bickerstaff disagrees with the NBA's Last Two Minute Report
He claims Jarrett Allen fouled Ausar Thompson
The foul occurred with 0.4 seconds left in Game 5
Cavaliers won Game 5 to lead the series 3-2
Detroit PistonsCleveland CavaliersJ.B. BickerstaffJarrett Allen
J.B. Bickerstaff disagrees with Pistons vs Cavs Last 2 Minute Report
CLEVELAND — As Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff walked out of his pregame media availability on Friday, May 15, before Game 6 at Rocket Arena, he made it known to a room full of reporters he doesn't agree with the NBA's "Last Two Minute Report" regarding how Game 5 against the Cavaliers ended on Wednesday, May 13.
After the Cavs won Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Bickerstaff said Cleveland center Jarrett Allen fouled Detroit forward Ausar Thompson while they scrambled for a loose ball with 0.4 seconds left in regulation.
"He fouled Ausar," Bickerstaff said then. "... He trips him when he's going for a loose ball."
No foul was called, the game went into overtime and the Cavs prevailed 117-113 at Little Caesars Arena for their first road win of the 2026 playoffs. According to the NBA, no call was the correct decision.
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons high fives teammates prior to Game Five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers hugs James Harden #1 prior to Game Five against the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; A shirt rests on a seat before game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 5 photos
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons high fives teammates prior to Game Five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 5 photos
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons high fives teammates prior to Game Five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 5 photos
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers hugs James Harden #1 prior to Game Five against the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 5 photos
May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; A shirt rests on a seat before game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Here is the official stance the league took by releasing the "Last Two Minute Report" on May 14: "Allen (CLE) and Thompson (DET) legally step to the same spot while pursuing the loose ball [before either player has possession], and both lose their balance from the marginal contact."
The "Last Two Minute Report" also states the officials were correct with all of their calls and non-calls in the final two minutes of regulation and the final two minutes of OT in Game 5.
A former Cavs head coach, Bickerstaff said paying attention to rulings in the "Last Two Minute Report" is too frustrating for his own good.
"All they'll do is piss you off, right?" Bickerstaff said.
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
