Cleveland Cavaliers beat Detroit Pistons in overtime to take 3-2 series lead
The Cleveland Cavaliers recovered from a late nine-point deficit to defeat the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime on Wednesday and take a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
James Harden delivered a playoff-best performance with 30 points to guide the visitors to a vital victory.
Donovan Mitchell also proved crucial for the fourth seeds, contributing 21 points during a dramatic contest in Michigan.
The hosts had established a commanding 15-point advantage in the first half and still led 103-94 with just over two minutes remaining in regulation time.
Dramatic comeback stuns the top seeds
Faced with a daunting deficit, the Ohio franchise mounted a spectacular 13-0 scoring run to completely shift the momentum.
Evan Mobley successfully converted crucial free throws with 45.2 seconds left on the clock to force a 103-103 tie.
That relentless defensive pressure held the home side scoreless for an astonishing five-minute period stretching deep into overtime.
A decisive three-pointer from Mitchell eventually put the Cavaliers ahead by seven points in the additional period.
Cunningham heroics fall short
Despite an exceptional individual effort of 39 points and nine assists from Cade Cunningham, the Pistons could not complete a late rally of their own.
The standout guard sank a late jumper to close the gap to just two points in the final moments.
However, a veteran display from Harden at the free-throw line, including a crucial offensive rebound from his own miss, ultimately sealed the contest.
Max Strus and Jarrett Allen provided essential support for the victorious lineup, registering 20 and 16 points respectively.
Knicks await the series winner
This result marks Cleveland’s first road victory of the current postseason and breaks Detroit’s four-game winning streak on home court.
The series now shifts back to Ohio for Game 6 on Friday night.
A victory in front of their home fans would see the Cavaliers advance to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals.
Should the top-seeded Pistons survive elimination, a deciding Game 7 will take place on Sunday.