CLEVELAND. The Detroit Pistons responded with a display of character and dominance to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 and force Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs. Cade Cunningham led the Michigan squad once again with 21 points on a night when Detroit completely dominated the second half and silenced Quicken Loans Arena.
The victory keeps alive the spectacular resilience of a Pistons team that has now won four games this postseason while on the brink of elimination. After rallying from a 3-1 deficit against the Orlando Magic in the first round, Detroit now survives again when it appeared to be against the ropes against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Additionally, the 21-point victory tied an NBA record from 66 years ago as the largest road victory in a Game 6 for a team trailing 3-2 in the series.
Detroit Pistons set the physical tone of the game from the start. The J.B. Bickerstaff-coached team imposed tremendous defensive aggression and constantly punished Cleveland's turnovers, while also finding enormous success from beyond the arc.
Cade Cunningham once again assumed offensive leadership and made five three-pointers, leading a Pistons team that finished with a solid 16 of 36 from long distance. Duncan Robinson, absent in Game 5 due to back issues, returned with four three-pointers and 14 points off the bench.
Roster depth turned out to be one of the biggest differences in the game. Paul Reed contributed 17 points and Detroit's bench significantly outscored Cleveland's 48-19.
Jalen Duren also had a very solid performance near the rim with 15 points and 11 rebounds, especially dominating the offensive glass alongside the rest of the visiting frontcourt.
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Cleveland Cavaliers never found offensive continuity. James Harden led the home team with 23 points, while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley added 18 each, though the Ohio squad never managed to impose the game's pace.
Detroit dominated especially in the physical details of the game. The Pistons captured 13 offensive rebounds and converted them into 20 points, while Cleveland's 20 turnovers generated 28 points for the visiting team.
The game started relatively even, though Detroit gradually built advantages thanks to its defensive intensity. The Pistons reached halftime leading 54-41 and already transmitting better competitive sensations.
The real breakaway came after the intermission. Detroit opened the second half with a forceful 12-2 run that left Cleveland Cavaliers completely shaken and quickly extended the lead.
The home team tried to respond and managed to get within 74-68, but Detroit immediately answered with another devastating 13-2 streak that finished breaking the game open.
The play that summarized the night came at the end of the third quarter. Evan Mobley missed a completely open dunk and Marcus Sasser raced the length of the court to score at the buzzer and put it at 84-70, leaving the home crowd completely deflated.
From there, Detroit Pistons comfortably controlled the fourth quarter and closed out the most important victory of their season. Cleveland Cavaliers also suffered their first home loss in these NBA playoffs.
The series will now travel to Detroit for an absolutely decisive Game 7, where the Pistons will attempt to complete another historic comeback and the Cavaliers will look to avoid elimination after holding a 3-2 series lead.