Key Takeaways:
- James Harden posted a playoff-high 30 points as Cleveland edged Detroit 117-113 in overtime
- The Cavaliers erased a nine-point deficit late in regulation and completed a decisive 13-0 run spanning the fourth quarter and overtime
- Cleveland seized a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals ahead of Game 6 on Friday night in Cleveland
Dramatic Overtime Turnaround in Detroit
On Wednesday night in Detroit, James Harden delivered an outstanding playoff performance with 30 points, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 117-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons after overtime. Donovan Mitchell added 21 points as the Cavaliers battled back from a nine-point deficit in regulation, clinching a 3-2 advantage in their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.
The Pistons surged ahead by 15 in the opening half and maintained a 103-94 lead with just over two minutes to play. Cleveland responded with a furious rally, levelling the score at 103-103 when Evan Mobley converted a pair of free throws with 45.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
“That stretch right there says a lot about our progress – mental performance progress and mental toughness progress,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said.
ROAD. DUB.
📊 HIGHLIGHTS & STATS: https://t.co/siaO5Sgpq0@Redfin | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/FGm7adgg1s
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 14, 2026
Controversy and Key Runs
In a tense finish to regulation, Jarrett Allen and Ausar Thompson became entangled as the clock ticked down, with officials opting not to make a call.
“He fouled Ausar – clearly,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He tripped him when he was going for a loose ball.”
The Cavaliers immediately seized momentum, orchestrating a 13-0 run spanning late in the fourth and into overtime, while keeping Detroit scoreless for a five-minute stretch. They built a seven-point cushion after Mitchell buried a three-pointer with 2:39 remaining in the extra period.
Cade Cunningham Shines Amid Pistons’ Shortfall
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons’ charge with 39 points and nine assists, bringing Detroit within two points with 25 seconds on the clock. Harden, however, converted one free throw on Cleveland’s next possession and, after retrieving his own missed attempt, added another from the line to secure the result for the Cavaliers.
| Team | Key Scorers | Rebound Leaders | Assists Leaders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | James Harden (30), Donovan Mitchell (21), Max Strus (20), Evan Mobley (19), Jarrett Allen (16) | Jarrett Allen (10), James Harden (8), Evan Mobley (8), Max Strus (8) | Evan Mobley (8) |
| Detroit Pistons | Cade Cunningham (39), Daniss Jenkins (19), Tobias Harris (13) | Paul Reed (8), Cade Cunningham (7), Ausar Thompson (7) | Cade Cunningham (9) |
Looking Ahead: Series Shifts to Cleveland
Friday night will see the Cavaliers return home to Quicken Loans Arena, poised to utilise their first of two opportunities to clinch their berth in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks. Should Detroit prevail, the Pistons – as the top seed – will host a deciding Game 7 on Sunday.
This fixture marked Cleveland’s inaugural road victory of both the series and the current postseason. Notably, the Pistons had won four consecutive home encounters since facing elimination in Game 5 of their first-round clash with Orlando.
Supporting Cast Contributions
For the Cavaliers, Max Strus notched 20 points on the strength of six three-pointers. Evan Mobley contributed 19 points, and Jarrett Allen tallied a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Harden rounded out his effort with eight rebounds and six assists. “It wasn’t our best night offensively, but I think that’s what speaks volumes to getting this win was we found a way” Strus said.
The Pistons were hindered by the absence of Duncan Robinson, with Daniss Jenkins stepping into the starting lineup and registering 19 points. Tobias Harris endured a challenging shooting night, making only 6 of 19 attempts for 13 points, while Jalen Duren was held to nine points and five rebounds.
