Cavaliers seize Eastern Conference semifinal control with overtime victory over Pistons
Cleveland takes a 3-2 series lead after overcoming a nine-point deficit to defeat Detroit 117-113 in overtime.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a commanding 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals after defeating the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime on Wednesday night. The victory marks Cleveland’s first road playoff win of the postseason, reversing an initial 2-0 series deficit and positioning the fourth-seeded team to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks.
James Harden led the Cavaliers with a playoff-best 30 points, complemented by eight rebounds and six assists. Donovan Mitchell contributed 21 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 2:39 remaining in overtime that extended Cleveland’s lead to seven points. Max Strus added 20 points with six three-pointers, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen provided 19 and 16 points respectively, with Allen also securing nine rebounds.
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham delivered a standout performance with 39 points and nine assists, but the Pistons were unable to sustain their offensive output during the game’s critical final minutes. Detroit held a 103-94 advantage with just over two minutes left in regulation, but Cleveland rallied to tie the game at 103-all on Evan Mobley’s free throws with 45.2 seconds remaining.
The Cavaliers’ defensive structure proved decisive in the closing stages, holding the Pistons scoreless for five minutes spanning the final two minutes of regulation and the middle of overtime. During this period, Cleveland executed a 13-0 run, effectively neutralising Detroit’s attempts to regain momentum. Harden sealed the victory by making one free throw and rebounding his missed second attempt, followed by another successful free throw on the ensuing possession.
Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will have the opportunity to close out the series. If the Pistons manage to win Game 6, they will host Game 7 on Sunday. The victory also breaks Detroit’s streak of four consecutive home wins, a run that had persisted since their first-round series against Orlando.
