NBA: Pistons’ got away with two violations before Andre Drummond’s game-winning tip-in

Andre Drummond converted the game-winning tip-in against the Bucks on Monday, helping the Pistons keep pace on a night the Hornets, Pacers, Celtics, Wizards and Bulls also won.

Just three problems with Drummond’s basket:

1. Tobias Harris got away with an inbound violation on the play.

2. Drummond got away with an offensive foul on the play.

3. Reggie Jackson got away with three other key fouls in the last two minutes just to be in position for Drummond to win the game.

On the decisive play, Harris did more than pivot before throwing the inbound. That should’ve been a turnover, per the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report:

Harris (DET) leaves his designated throw-in position.

Not only did Harris move his feet to get the inbound pass to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Drummond got away with an illegal screen on Giannis Antetokounmpo to free Caldwell-Pope. NBA:

Drummond (DET) delivers contact to Antetokounmpo (MIL) on the screen without giving him room to avoid the contact.

Again, that should’ve been a turnover.

Go back further, and the Pistons used other incorrect no-calls to set up the final possession.

With 1:04 left, officials called an offensive foul on Khris Middleton that the NBA ruled Middleton committed. The problem: Jackson fouled Middleton first. NBA:

Middleton (MIL) hooks Jackson (DET) as he drives to the rim.

Jackson (DET) makes contact with Middleton (MIL) that affects his RSBQ before the hook by Middleton

A correct call on Jackson for affecting Middleton’s Rhythm, Speed, Balance, Quickness would’ve sent Middleton to the line for two free throws. Instead, the Pistons got the ball – only to get away with another foul on the other end.

Jackson got away with another foul – this one on Jabari Parker – on an inbound. NBA:

Jackson (DET) continues to move into Parker (MIL) on screen

Instead of the Pistons turning the ball over, Harris got to the free-throw line, where he made both attempts.

A couple possessions later, Jackson got away with yet another foul as the Bucks attempted to inbound the ball. NBA:

Jackson (DET) grabs and holds Middleton (MIL) affecting his FOM on the inbounds play.

A correctly called foul, affecting Middleton’s Freedom of Movement, would’ve given Milwaukee one free throw and the ball. Any Buck on the court could’ve taken the shot, and Middleton – who’s making 88% of his free throws this season – would’ve been a prime candidate.

The Two Minute Report featured one other missed call: Caldwell-Pope not being whistled for fouling Jerryd Bayless with 12.5 seconds left. But by that point, the Pistons were trying to foul, and they complained no foul was called for another 2.9 seconds.

It was just that type of night for Detroit (and Milwaukee and the other teams’ the Pistons are battling for playoff position).