Power Surge Causes Buzzer Malfunction During Pistons-Cavs Game

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A power surge during a game between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers caused the arena's horn to blare non-stop, forcing a 20-minute delay as technicians scrambled to fix the issue. With the game clocks and shot clocks also affected, officials resorted to using a handheld air horn to signal the end of possessions and quarters in a bizarre scene more fitting for a rec league than an NBA environment.

Why it matters

Technical malfunctions during professional sporting events are relatively rare, but can significantly disrupt the flow of a game when they occur. This incident highlights the importance of robust backup systems and contingency plans to ensure games can continue smoothly even when unexpected issues arise.

The details

The power surge triggered the arena's horn to go off non-stop, bringing the game to a halt for nearly 20 minutes as technicians worked to silence the noise. The malfunction also wiped out the game clocks and shot clocks, forcing officials to resort to using a handheld air horn to signal the end of possessions and quarters.

• The incident occurred during the third quarter of the game between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, February 28, 2026.

What’s next

The NBA is expected to investigate the cause of the technical issues and review the league's protocols for handling similar malfunctions in the future to ensure a smooth game experience.