Spoelstra was assessed a technical foul, and Pistons guard Malik Beasley sank the ensuing free throw, giving Detroit a late lead the club would not relinquish. After the game, Spoelstra took accountability for the mistake that led to Detroit's victory.

Instead, it was a grave mistake by head coach Erik Spoelstra in the dying seconds of the game. Coach Spo called a timeout after the Pistons leveled the game at 121-121. However, the Heat had no timeouts left and it resulted in Spoelstra being slammed with a technical foul as Detroit sealed the game.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra admitted that his own “horrendous mistake” cost the team in its 123-121 defeat to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Cup on Tuesday.