Detroit Pistons’ Ausar Thompson avoided ejection after a contentious play involving Cleveland Cavaliers’ Sam Merrill in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The incident occurred with 8:04 left in the first half, during the Pistons’ 115-94 victory over Cleveland. Thompson was trying to get past a screen set by Merrill when he threw him to the ground.
Officials initiated a video review to determine if the foul on Thompson warranted an upgrade. Replays showed Thompson’s left hand around Merrill’s neck as he forced him to the ground.
Referees Explain the Decision
Lead referee Zach Zarba stated that while Thompson’s left arm extended to Merrill’s head and neck area with follow-through, a flagrant foul 2, which would trigger an ejection, requires three criteria. Zarba said these are windup, impact, and follow-through.
Zarba clarified that the play had impact and follow-through, but lacked windup. He concluded that the contact was unnecessary but not excessive, resulting in a flagrant foul, penalty 1, instead of an ejection.
Merrill’s Reaction to the Foul
Merrill, who was celebrating his 30th birthday, admitted he didn’t realise Thompson’s hand had wrapped around his neck until he saw the replay. He initially thought he had simply been pushed. “Maybe the replay showed he full-on grabbed my neck, but I didn’t feel like it was excessive,” Merrill said, adding he wasn’t expecting an ejection.
Fan Reaction and Mobley’s View
Cavs fans reacted with outrage, chanting “Throw him out” when Thompson wasn’t ejected. They booed Thompson every time he touched the ball. Cavs forward Evan Mobley said, “You never know in this league, if it’s gonna be a flagrant or an ejection. I don’t know.”
Thompson’s Perspective
Thompson commented on the play, saying, “I just felt like it was a moving screen (on Merrill).” He added, “I was just hoping that whatever (the referees) decided, I was going to be able to keep playing.”
Thompson finished the game with 10 points, nine rebounds, and four steals. He fouled out with 3:56 remaining, with the Pistons holding a 15-point lead. The Pistons and Cavaliers are competing in Game 7 of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.