Cavaliers grind out road OT win, move one step from East Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers finally broke through on the road in the playoffs, edging the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in a tense Game 5 that went into overtime. Despite a quiet shooting night from Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland found enough late-game execution to steal control of the series and take a 3-2 lead.
Detroit had the game in hand late in regulation, leading by nine with under three minutes remaining, but failed to close as Cleveland surged back with poise and physicality. The Cavaliers now return home with a chance to finish the series in Game 6, while the Pistons face elimination after letting a crucial opportunity slip away.
Key Highlights:
- Cavs steal road OT win: Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the Detroit Pistons in Game 5, overcoming a late 9-point deficit to take a 3-2 series lead.
- Harden leads the way: James Harden scored 30 points and powered Cleveland in clutch moments as Donovan Mitchell struggled from deep.
- Strus & Mobley deliver support: Max Strus added 20 points with key defensive plays, while Evan Mobley posted a near triple-double impact with 19/8/8/3 blocks.
- Free throws decide again: Cleveland won the foul line battle for a second straight game, turning extra possessions into the edge that secured the road victory.
Harden steps up as Mitchell struggles
James Harden carried the offensive load with 30 points, 11 made free throws and key late-game baskets, stabilizing Cleveland when Mitchell went cold from deep. Even with six turnovers, Harden repeatedly delivered in clutch moments, including extra possessions and crucial free throws in overtime.
Coach Kenny Atkinson credited Harden’s poise and leadership, noting his ability to settle the team when shots stopped falling. With Mitchell limited, Harden’s timely scoring ensured Cleveland stayed competitive and ultimately controlled the decisive stretches of the game.
Strus sparks momentum, Mobley dominates inside
Max Strus provided a major lift off the bench, scoring 20 points on elite 3-point shooting while also making a key defensive strip on Cade Cunningham in the fourth quarter. His two-way impact helped swing momentum during Cleveland’s late comeback push.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley delivered a complete performance with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 blocks, anchoring both ends of the floor. His late-game scoring, rim protection and playmaking proved vital as Detroit’s interior defense faded under pressure.
Free-throw edge proves decisive again
Cleveland continued to dominate the free-throw line, once again outpacing Detroit in attempts and capitalizing in clutch moments. Several late whistles, including a disputed final-seconds play involving Mitchell and Ausar Thompson, added to the tension as the Pistons argued they were denied key opportunities.
Still, the Cavaliers’ ability to draw fouls and convert at the line proved decisive across back-to-back wins. Now heading into Game 6 in Cleveland, where they remain unbeaten this postseason, the Cavs are one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
