Horn Malfunction Delays Pistons-Cavaliers Game 18 Minutes

DETROIT — A National Basketball Association game between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers was interrupted for 18 minutes Friday night at Little Caesars Arena when a malfunctioning horn blared continuously during the third quarter, forcing players and fans to endure the relentless noise.

The disruption occurred with 7:24 remaining in the quarter and the Pistons leading 65-64 during a timeout. The horn, intended to signal the teams to return to the court, activated as expected but failed to stop, apparently triggered by a power surge that also affected the overhead scoreboard. Arena staff worked frantically to silence the device, but their efforts proved unsuccessful for more than a dozen minutes.

As the noise persisted, both teams retreated to their benches briefly before officials instructed players to return to the floor and shoot around to stay warm. The cacophony tested the patience of everyone in the arena, including Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who was conducting an on-air interview with ESPN at the time. Noticing the sound, Mitchell asked, "Y'all hear the horn?" The interruption drew visible frustration from players and coaches, though no injuries or...