The Cleveland Cavaliers are one step closer to the finals of the Eastern Conference of the NBA League after they defeated the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime in the fifth game of the semi-finals and took a 3-2 lead in the series.
James Harden he achieved 30 points with eight rebounds and six assists, and Donovan Mitchell 21, including seven in overtime. Max Strus had 20 points and eight rebounds and Evan Mobley had 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Cavaliers, who have lost all five of their previous playoff road games this spring.
Harden played his on Wednesday 185th playoff game50th with at least 30 points, but still looking for their first league title.
Cade Cunningham he led the Pistons with 39 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, while Daniss Jankins scored 19 points.
Cleveland led by four at the start of the fourth quarter, but Detroit responded with a 15-2 run to take a 100-91 lead with just under four minutes left.
Cleveland missed the first nine shots of the quarter before it recovered towards the endeventually tying the game at 103-103 after two Mobley free throws with 45.2 seconds left. The Cavaliers had a chance to win, but failed to make a shot on their final drive before time expired, sending the game into overtime.
Cleveland took control early in overtime, scoring nine of the first 11 points to take a 112-105 lead. Cunningham’s shot cut Detroit’s deficit to 113-111 with 25.9 seconds left, but the Cavaliers closed the gap at the free throw line. Harden and Mobley combined to hit four of six free throws in the final seconds.
The sixth game of the series is played in Friday night in Cleveland. The Cavaliers win sends Cleveland into the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks. If Detroit wins, Game 7 will be played on their home court on Sunday.
The Pistons, who led the series 2-0 before losing three straight, are looking for their first conference finals appearance since 2008.
The Cavaliers haven’t reached this stage since 2018, the last season LeBron James played for them.
(Hina | Photo: Cleveland Cavaliers)
