The Detroit Pistons were on the verge of a statement victory, one that would have put them just a single win away from the Eastern Conference Finals. But in the cruelest twist of playoff basketball, it all slipped away.
In a Game 5 heartbreaker at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday, the Pistons watched a late lead evaporate as the Cleveland Cavaliers orchestrated a devastating 9-0 run to force overtime. The Cavs then scored the first four points of the extra period and never looked back, securing a 117-113 victory.
The loss gives the 4-seed Cavaliers a 3-2 series lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals, and they're now one win away from advancing. The Pistons, despite being the top seed, find themselves on the brink of elimination heading into Game 6 on Friday night in Cleveland.
Cade Cunningham was nothing short of spectacular, pouring in a game-high 39 points. But his heroics were overshadowed by a controversial no-call in the final seconds of regulation. Pistons guard Ausar Thompson appeared to be tripped while chasing a loose ball by Cavs center Jarrett Allen. With Cleveland already over the foul limit, Thompson would have been awarded free throws with roughly one second remaining. The officials let it play out, and the debate has been raging ever since.
James Harden led the charge for Cleveland with 30 points, while Max Strus provided a huge spark off the bench with six three-pointers, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds. Donovan Mitchell, usually the Cavs' go-to scorer, was held to 21 points on 7-for-18 shooting. His only three-pointer of the night came at a crucial moment in overtime, from the right corner.
Harden also made a key play in overtime, grabbing his own miss off a free throw with 20 seconds left and the Cavs up 114-111. Cunningham was caught out of position on the play, and Harden calmly sank the first free throw. The Pistons had multiple chances in the final seconds but couldn't convert, falling short by four points.
Daniss Jenkins stepped up with 19 points in his first career playoff start, filling in for Duncan Robinson, who was ruled out before tipoff with back soreness. The Pistons also made a surprising lineup adjustment, with third-string center Paul Reed getting minutes over Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart in the fourth quarter and overtime. Caris LeVert also saw action down the stretch.
A block by Paul Reed and a three-pointer from Daniss Jenkins were among the highlights for Detroit, but they weren't enough to overcome the Cavs' late surge. The Pistons now face a must-win situation in Game 6, needing to channel the resilience that got them the top seed in the first place.