Cleveland Cavaliers Stage Thrilling Comeback to Edge Detroit Pistons in Overtime, Lead Series 3-2
In a nail-biting showdown on Wednesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a late nine-point deficit to defeat the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime, taking a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. James Harden shone with a playoff-high 30 points, while Donovan Mitchell added 21, as the Cavaliers clinched their first road victory of the postseason.
The Pistons seemed poised for victory, leading by 15 points in the first half and holding a 103-94 advantage with just over two minutes left in regulation. But Cleveland mounted a fierce comeback, tying the game at 103-103 with 45.2 seconds remaining after Evan Mobley sank two clutch free throws.
“That stretch right there says a lot about our progress — mental performance progress and mental toughness progress,” said Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, praising his team’s resilience.
The game’s tension peaked near the end of regulation when Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson tangled in a scramble for the ball. No foul was called, sparking controversy.
“He fouled Ausar — clearly,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff argued postgame. “He tripped him when he was going for a loose ball.”
In overtime, the Cavaliers seized control with a dominant 13-0 run, holding the Pistons scoreless for five minutes spanning the end of regulation and the early stages of overtime. Mitchell’s 3-pointer with 2:39 left in overtime gave Cleveland a seven-point cushion.
Despite a valiant effort from Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who finished with 39 points and nine assists, the Pistons fell short. Cunningham’s jumper narrowed the gap to two points with 25 seconds remaining, but Harden’s composure at the free-throw line ultimately sealed the win. After missing his second free throw, Harden grabbed his own rebound and sank another shot to secure the victory.
The Cavaliers now head back to Cleveland for Game 6 on Friday night. A win would advance them to the Eastern Conference finals, where they would face the New York Knicks. Should the Pistons prevail, the series will return to Detroit for a decisive Game 7 on Sunday.
Cleveland’s balanced attack proved pivotal. Max Strus contributed 20 points, including six 3-pointers, while Mobley added 19 points. Allen recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
“It wasn’t our best night offensively, but I think that’s what speaks volumes to getting this win — we found a way,” Strus remarked.
Meanwhile, Detroit struggled to replicate their earlier home-court dominance. Starting in place of the injured Duncan Robinson, Daniss Jenkins impressed with 19 points, but Tobias Harris had an off-night, scoring just 13 points on 6-of-19 shooting. Jalen Duren was also limited to nine points and five rebounds.
The Pistons had won four consecutive home games since facing elimination in the first round against Orlando. However, Cleveland’s determination and clutch performance halted their momentum.
As the series heads to Game 6, the Cavaliers aim to capitalize on their newfound momentum. The Pistons, meanwhile, will look to regroup and extend their season.
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this high-stakes playoff battle.
— Reported by Nexio News
