Pistons force Game 7 with dominant second-half performance against Cavaliers

The top-seeded Detroit Pistons have forced a decisive Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers after securing a 115-94 victory in the Eastern Conference second-round series. Playing in Cleveland on Friday night, Detroit utilised a dominant second-half performance to overturn a 3-2 series deficit, marking the first time the Cavaliers have suffered a home loss during the postseason.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 21 points, including five three-pointers, as the team shot 16-of-36 from beyond the arc. Jalen Duren contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Daniss Jenkins added 15 points. The Pistons’ bench proved decisive, outscoring Cleveland’s reserves 48-19. Paul Reed scored 17 points off the bench, and Duncan Robinson, who had missed the previous game with a lower back injury, returned to score 14 points.

Cleveland’s James Harden led the Cavaliers with 23 points, while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley each scored 18. However, the Cavaliers were hampered by 20 turnovers, which Detroit converted into 28 points. The Pistons also capitalised on the offensive glass, converting 13 offensive rebounds into 20 points. Max Strus struggled significantly for Cleveland, scoring only six points on 2-of-9 shooting.

Detroit established control early, leading 54-41 at halftime and starting the second half with a 12-2 run. Although Cleveland rallied to narrow the gap to 74-68, Detroit responded with a 13-2 spurt. Marcus Sasser sealed the third quarter with a layup at the buzzer, giving the Pistons an 84-70 lead.

The victory marks Detroit’s fourth postseason win when facing elimination, following their previous comeback against Orlando where they overcame a 3-1 deficit. The series now shifts back to Cleveland for the final game, with the Pistons looking to complete the upset against the team that held the series advantage heading into Friday’s contest.