Blaring horn after a power surge delays Pistons and Cavaliers in 3rd quarter

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden, right, who is out injured with a right thumb fracture, talks with Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Detroit Pistons, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr., right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) — Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden, right, who is out injured with a right thumb fracture, talks with Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Detroit Pistons, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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9:09 PM on Friday, February 27

By DAVE HOGG

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn Friday night after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction.

During a timeout with the Pistons leading 65-64 in a 122-119 overtime victory, the horn sounded to signal the teams to return to the floor. However, it kept blasting despite frantic work from workers at Little Caesars Arena.

The teams returned to the benches for a few minutes and were eventually told to go back on the floor to warm up. After 13 minutes, the arena staff shut down the entire overhead scoreboard and the horn stopped to loud cheers. The scoring crew used a manual airhorn when play resumed.

The officials brought Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson to midcourt for a brief discussion, before announcing the game would resume without the main scoreboard. However, moments after the game got back underway, the scoreboard came back on.

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