Cavaliers oust Pistons in Game 7 rout to reach Eastern Conference Finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018, defeating the Detroit Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. As the fourth seed, Cleveland ousted the East’s top seed, securing their ninth conference finals appearance in franchise history and their deepest playoff run since LeBron James’ final season with the team.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, recording a stat line matching a feat last achieved by Kobe Bryant in 2002. Mitchell became the first guard since Bryant to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists with zero turnovers in a Game 7. The Cavaliers will now face the New York Knicks in the next round.

Mitchell’s performance marked a significant shift from his previous struggles in the series, including a poor showing in Game 6 where he scored 18 points on 6-of-20 shooting. In Game 7, he demonstrated a renewed focus on distribution, hitting a half-court heave in the first quarter to extend the lead to nine points after Marcus Sasser had cut the deficit to six.

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised Mitchell’s all-around impact, particularly his defence and ability to facilitate for big men. Teammate Jarrett Allen noted Mitchell’s shift in focus towards distribution early in the game, which helped set the tone for Cleveland’s dominant 31-22 first-quarter lead and 64-47 halftime advantage.

The Cavaliers have a 5-1 record in the postseason when Mitchell scores at least 25 points, and 3-5 when he does not. As a New York native, Mitchell adds narrative weight to the upcoming series against the Knicks, though the Cavaliers have never made the NBA Finals without James. This marks the first conference finals appearance for Cleveland without James since 1992.