Cavaliers beat Pistons after OT to secure 3-2 series lead

The Cleveland Cavaliers came back from being down 9 points with less than 3 minutes until the end of the regular time and then beat the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in OT to take a 3-2 lead in the East Conference ½ finals.

Cavs, who lost all their previous 5 matches away from home in the current playoffs, trailed 103-94 before scoring 9 unanswered points to force OT.

“What happened in the last 3 minutes showed a lot about our progress,” Cleveland manager Kenny Atkinson shared after the triumph. “The progress on mentality is the most important thing…. These players, they never give up.”

Pistons had almost 97% chance to secure the victory with a 9-point lead with less than 3 minutes left in the regulation, but Cavs finished the match on a 23-10 run.

“I’m really proud of my teammates and the mentality of this team,” Cleveland superstar Donovan Mitchell shared.

James Harden ended the game with 30 points and 6 assists in his best postseason scoring performance with the Cavaliers. Max Strus helped with 20 points and 8 boards from the bench for the win.

More on this topic:

Pistons win decisive Game 7 against Magic to finish comeback

Cleveland trailed 103-94 with 3 minutes remaining.

Cavs closed regulation on a 9-0 run to force OT.

They outscored Detroit 14-10 in OT, closing the game on a 23-10 run.

Cleveland wins their first road game of the postseason and takes a 3-2 series lead in East Semis 🤯 pic.twitter.com/tofN0LCxz9

— NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2026