The NBA has officially backed the controversial non-call that helped the Cleveland Cavaliers secure a 3-2 series lead over the Detroit Pistons in a thrilling overtime victory Wednesday night. The league's Last Two Minute report confirmed Thursday that the officiating in the final moments of regulation was correct, despite strong objections from the Pistons' camp.

The drama unfolded with seconds left in the fourth quarter and the score tied. Pistons forward Ausar Thompson made a crucial block on Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, but as Thompson scrambled for the loose ball, he ended up on the floor after contact with Cleveland center Jarrett Allen. Many believed Thompson was fouled, which would have sent him to the free-throw line with a chance to win the game, as Detroit was in the bonus.

Instead, no whistle was blown, and the game headed to overtime. There, Mitchell took over, scoring seven of his 21 total points to lift the Cavaliers to a 117-113 victory and a 3-2 series edge.

In its review, the NBA explained that both players "legally step to the same spot while pursuing the loose ball" and that the contact was marginal, causing both to lose their balance. The league concluded that all calls and non-calls in the final two minutes of regulation and overtime were correct.

Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was far from convinced after the game. "It's clear. He trips him when he's going for a loose ball," Bickerstaff said. "End of game situation, that's tough."

This marks the second straight game where Bickerstaff has voiced frustration with officiating, as the Pistons now face a must-win Game 6 to keep their season alive. For Cavaliers fans, the non-call is another chapter in Mitchell's growing legacy of clutch performances—and a reminder that in the NBA, sometimes the biggest plays are the ones that don't get called.