Pistons blow 9-point lead late in regulation, losing to Cavs in OT and are on brink of elimination – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Detroit – The Pistons built a substantial advantage only to watch it slip away in the final minutes of regulation, allowing the Cleveland Cavaliers to force overtime and secure a 117-113 victory on Wednesday night. The result gave Cleveland a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series and left Detroit facing elimination. Both teams now prepare for Game 6 on Friday in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers hold the first opportunity to close out the matchup.
How a Strong Start Unraveled
The Pistons controlled much of the early action, extending a lead that reached 15 points during the second quarter. They still held a nine-point margin with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth, sitting at 103-94. Cleveland responded by limiting Cade Cunningham’s touches and forcing Detroit’s supporting cast into difficult shots that failed to fall.
Turnovers proved costly throughout the contest. Detroit committed 17 of them, which Cleveland converted into 27 points. Those miscues erased much of the advantage the Pistons had constructed earlier and shifted momentum decisively toward the visitors in the closing stages.
Cunningham Carries the Load
Cade Cunningham delivered one of his strongest playoff performances, finishing with 39 points and nine assists. His scoring kept Detroit competitive even as the team struggled to maintain its lead. Yet the absence of consistent contributions from teammates left Cunningham isolated during the critical final possessions.
Detroit’s defense created opportunities, but the offense could not capitalize once the ball moved away from Cunningham. The result highlighted both his individual impact and the team’s broader need for balanced scoring in high-stakes moments.
Supporting Cast Struggles to Match the Moment
Tobias Harris shot just 6 of 19 from the field and finished with 13 points. Jalen Duren was held to nine points and five rebounds, continuing a postseason pattern of limited production from the All-Star center. These performances left Cunningham without the necessary help to close out the game.
Duren acknowledged the imbalance after the loss. He noted that Cunningham will continue to produce at a high level but emphasized that the group as a whole must improve on the offensive end to support him effectively.
Detroit’s Path Forward
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff described the team’s resilience, stating that opponents will need to “choke the life out of this team” because the Pistons refuse to quit. He pointed to their earlier comeback from a 3-1 deficit against Orlando as evidence that the current situation remains manageable.
Center Jalen Duren echoed that confidence, saying the Pistons believe they can win on the road in Cleveland. A victory there would force a decisive Game 7 back in Detroit on Sunday. The series now hinges on whether Detroit can sustain its fight through the remaining games or whether Cleveland can close it out on its home floor.
