Cavs erase 16-point deficit, rally back for Game 5 win over Pistons
The Cavs refused to quit, rallying back to steal Game 5.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: James Harden #1 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers look on against the Detroit Pistons during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers clawed back for their first away victory of the playoffs, beating the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime of Game 5.
There’s been a theme in this series. Win the possession battle, win the game. That’s true in most cases, but especially in this matchup — where the Pistons are forced to rely on an elite defense to narrow the gap between their limited offense and the dynamic Cavaliers.
Cleveland will win any fair fight against Detroit. Fair, in this instance, means an equal amount of possessions. But the Pistons have worked to take that away from the Cavs.
Their smothering defense forced 10 turnovers in the first half, scoring 20 points off those turnovers. Tobias Harris, Cade Cunningham, Dannis Jankins, and Isaiah Stewart all got hot in the first half to give the Pistons an eight-point lead. Truth be told, the Cavs felt lucky to have the deficit under double-digits, all things considered.