13 Takeaways from Cavs Game 5 win over Pistons: Cavaliers show why this team is different

DETROIT, MI - MAY 13: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round Two Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 13, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images DETROIT — After the game, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson was asked what it took for this team to overcome a nine-point deficit in the final three minutes to complete the comeback.

James Harden, who was waiting in the back of the press-conference room for his coach to finish up, thought he would just answer it himself. “Balls,” Harden said. While crass, it’s the truth.

The Cavaliers have been called soft for years, and understandably so . They’ve folded in the biggest moments too often in the previous three years not to be called that. However, this isn’t that team.

At least it wasn’t in Game 5. The Cavs were down nine against the Detroit Pistons with three minutes left in the fourth quarter. The building was on fire.