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Harden Lifts Cavs Over Pistons in OT to Seize 3-2 Series Lead

Cleveland can clinch Friday at home to earn a conference finals date with the Knicks.

May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots on Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the first half during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates in overtime against the Detroit Pistons during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half of game four in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) shoots in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Cavaliers, who won Wednesday in Detroit, took Game 5 in overtime 117-113 to move ahead 3-2 and notch their first road win of these playoffs.
  • James Harden scored 30 points with eight rebounds and six assists, Donovan Mitchell added 21 including a key overtime three, and Max Strus hit six threes for 20, while Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 39.
  • Cleveland erased a 15-point first-half hole and a 103-94 deficit late, using a 13-0 surge that included Evan Mobley’s tying free throws with 45.2 seconds left.
  • Detroit pointed to a late no-call at the end of regulation when Ausar Thompson appeared to trip over Jarrett Allen, a sequence the Pistons believed should have led to free throws.
  • The Pistons leaned on Paul Reed over All-Star Jalen Duren down the stretch and started Daniss Jenkins for injured Duncan Robinson, as the series shifts to Game 6 in Cleveland on Friday where the Cavs are unbeaten this postseason.