NBA news: Pistons-Cavaliers game delayed due to lengthy horn malfunction

The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers faced a very loud disruption during the Pistons’ 122-119 overtime victory Friday at Little Caesars Arena.

During a timeout, with the Pistons leading 65-64, the horn sounded to signal that the teams should return to play. But the horn sounded for 13 straight minutes, delaying the game.

The horn sounded after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. The horn finally died down when arena staff turned off the scoreboard, and the crowd cheered.

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, left, talks with teammate James Harden during a timeout against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on February 27, 2026. (Lon Horwedel/Imagn Images)

While the horn malfunctioned, the scoreboard and clock above the baskets were reset to zero. After 18 minutes, play resumed. The scoring team used a hand horn when play resumed, and the scoreboard was black.

The officials brought Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff and Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson to midcourt for a brief discussion before announcing that the game would resume without the main scoreboard. However, moments after play resumed, the scoreboard lit up again.

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson argues with an official in the first half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on February 27, 2026. (Lon Horwedel/Imagn Images)

Due to the delay and overtime, the match lasted 3 hours and 22 minutes.

Cleveland, which hosts Detroit on Tuesday night, led by nine points with 2:44 left in regulation, and Cade Cunningham fouled out with 1:56 left. But the Pistons outscored the Cavaliers 16-7 to force overtime.

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Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff shouts instructions to his team during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Detroit on February 27, 2026. (Duane Burleson/AP Photo)

Cunningham had 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for East-leading Detroit before fouling out. Jalen Duren had 33 points and 16 rebounds for the Pistons in the win.

Jarrett Allen had 25 points and nine rebounds for Cleveland, which played its second straight game without James Harden (thumb) and Donovan Mitchell (groin). Evan Mobley had 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Sam Merrill added 20 points.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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