Cavaliers Rally Past Pistons In Overtime
Hope
Cleveland Cavaliers moved within one win of the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime in Game 5 of their semifinal series.
Cleveland produced a late comeback after trailing by nine points with less than three minutes remaining in regulation. The Cavaliers capitalised on costly Detroit turnovers to force overtime before taking control in the extra period to secure a crucial road victory.
The win gives Cleveland a 3-2 advantage in the series as they return home for Game 6, where they will attempt to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018.
James Harden led the Cavaliers with 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a strong bounce-back performance after struggling earlier in the series in Detroit.
Donovan Mitchell added 21 points, while Evan Mobley made an important contribution at both ends of the floor with 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three blocks.
Detroit was led by Cade Cunningham, who scored 39 points in a losing effort. Daniss Jenkins added 19 points while filling in for injured guard Duncan Robinson.
The Pistons now face elimination for the fourth time this postseason. Detroit previously recovered from a 3-1 series deficit against the Orlando Magic in the opening round.
Meanwhile, the victory was Cleveland’s first away win of this postseason after previously struggling on the road earlier in the playoffs.
Game 6 is scheduled for Friday in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will attempt to close out the series and book a place in the Eastern Conference Finals.
