The Cleveland Cavaliers took down the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime on Wednesday to take a 3-2 series advantage.
Detroit remained in control for the majority of Wednesday night’s matchup, thanks to a slight edge in shooting efficiency as well as the offensive prowess of Cade Cunningham.
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The Cavaliers had a solid first quarter as well, only facing a two-point deficit after 12 minutes.
Detroit was even better from the floor in the second quarter, sinking 13 of their 20 shot attempts in the period. At the same time, Cleveland’s efficiency slightly dipped, allowing the Pistons to increase their lead to eight by halftime.
The third quarter proved to be very lopsided in Cleveland’s favor. James Harden dropped nine points in eight third-quarter minutes as the Cavs sank five of their 11 long-range attempts in the period.
They also played much better defense agains the Pistons in the third, so much so that Detroit barely managed to score 20 points in the period. The Cavs dropped 32 points in the same span to take a four-point lead.
Almost the exact opposite can be said about the fourth quarter, except the Pistons didn’t exactly catch fire like the Cavs did in the third.
Playoff basketball often comes down to hustle plays and defense, something that proved to be true in the final frame of regulation.
While the Pistons went on a small scoring run midway through the fourth, defense largely prevailed down the stretch as the Cavs tied it up with several stops.
In the final seconds with a tie game, a loose balled gingerly bounced near the out of bounds line, burning the clock and sending the game to overtime.
In the extra five minutes, the Cavs built on their late momentum and extended their scoring run to 18-2. With two minutes to play, Cleveland led by five.
Daniss Jenkins broke out for a quick layup on the fastbreak to cut it to three before James Harden sank one of two free throw attempts.
A wild sequence of turnovers and loose balls played out before Detroit came up with possession, but Caris LeVert missed an open corner three that would have cut it to a one-point deficit.
With 28 seconds to go, Cleveland was ahead by four. That’s when Cunningham caught the inbound pass and immediately sank a pull-up jumper with his toes on the three-point line.
The Cavs still led by two as the Pistons quickly fouled Harden, who made one of two free throws. As he missed the second, he skied in for his own offensive rebound and drew another foul.
This time, he missed the second attempt again, but Detroit came up empty on offense and the Cavs held on for the win.
Harden led the way for Cleveland with 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Cunningham did all he could for Detroit, finishing with 39 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.
The series will now head back to Cleveland with the Cavaliers in front 3-2.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
