An 18-minute third-quarter delay disrupted Friday night’s matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers after a power surge at Little Caesars Arena triggered a malfunctioning scoreboard and a horn that blared uncontrollably. The unexpected chaos unfolded with Detroit holding a slim 65-64 lead.

Arena staff scrambled to silence the horn as players briefly retreated to their benches before returning to the floor to stay warm. After 13 minutes, officials powered down the overhead system entirely, drawing cheers when the piercing noise finally stopped.

Coaches J.B. Bickerstaff and Kenny Atkinson conferred at midcourt before announcing the game would continue without the main scoreboard. In a twist, the system flickered back to life moments later, but the Pistons ultimately secured a 122-119 overtime victory.

Cleveland entered the game severely undermanned, missing Donovan Mitchell and James Harden for a second straight contest. Mitchell is managing a right groin strain labeled day-to-day, while Harden remains sidelined with a fractured thumb, deepening the team’s injury concerns.

Harden attempted to participate in shootaround while wearing a brace but continued to experience discomfort handling the ball. His absence disrupts Cleveland’s recent momentum, as he had averaged 18.9 points and 8.0 assists while helping the team to a 6-1 stretch since the trade deadline.

Additional setbacks included Keon Ellis, who fractured his left index finger earlier in the week, and Dean Wade, who is nursing a sprained right ankle. Despite the growing injury list, coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the Cavaliers’ roster depth as a stabilizing force..