The Detroit Pistons refused to go quietly. Dominating Cleveland in the second half, they beat the Cavaliers 115-94 on Friday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to force Game 7 in what has become one of the East’s most compelling playoff series. Detroit’s victory tied a 66-year-old NBA record for the largest road win by a team trailing 3-2 in a series.
Detroit’s bench swings the game
The Pistons’ offense was as collective as it gets. Cade Cunningham finished with 21 points and five 3-pointers, playing with the poise that earned him his All-Star selection this season. But the real story came off the bench: Paul Reed delivered 17 points, Daniss Jenkins added 15, and Jalen Duren had arguably his best game of the series – 15 points and 11 rebounds – after being a non-factor in the previous two outings. Detroit outscored Cleveland by 25 points in the second half, turning a tight game into a statement.
The Pistons shot efficiently and, more importantly, they guarded. The Cavaliers, who had closed games out all season with their defensive rotations, looked disorganized after halftime. Detroit held Cleveland to just 47 second-half points.
Harden and Mitchell both struggled
Cleveland’s star duo gave the Pistons every opening. James Harden scored 23 points but committed eight turnovers – a season-high in the playoffs – as Detroit’s pressure forced him into uncomfortable spots all night. Donovan Mitchell went 6-for-20 from the field for 18 points, one of his worst shooting nights in these playoffs. When neither guard can create clean looks, Cleveland’s offense grinds to a halt, and that is exactly what happened in the second half.
Sunday’s Game 7 in Detroit
The decisive seventh game tips off Sunday at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons, seeded first in the East this season, will carry the crowd – and Detroit has been nearly unbeatable at home throughout these playoffs. The winner advances to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
One game. Everything on the line.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
