Cavs Rally from 15-Point Hole for 117-113 OT Win in Detroit

Cleveland takes a 3-2 Eastern Conference semifinal series lead after overcoming a late nine-point deficit on the road for their first playoff victory away from home.

Benjamin Hale

14 May 2026 2 min read

The Cleveland Cavaliers stormed back from a 15-point first-half deficit and a nine-point hole late in regulation to defeat the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime on May 13. The road victory gave Cleveland a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals and marked the franchise's first playoff win away from home in years. James Harden led the charge with a playoff-best 30 points along with eight rebounds and six assists. Donovan Mitchell added 21 points as the Cavaliers refused to fade despite Cade Cunningham's heroic 39-point, nine-assist night for Detroit. Cleveland trailed by double digits early but chipped away methodically. The visitors erased the gap in the second half and forced overtime when Harden hit a clutch jumper with under a minute remaining in regulation. "The Cavaliers finally won a playoff game away from Cleveland, thanks in part to Cade Cunningham having to do it on his own," said Brian Windhorst, ESPN NBA analyst. The Pistons built their first-half advantage behind Cunningham's scoring bursts, yet Cleveland's defensive adjustments in the third quarter slowed Detroit's momentum. Mitchell's driving finishes and Harden's playmaking created open looks that kept the comeback alive. Detroit pushed back in the fourth, opening a nine-point lead with under five minutes left. Cleveland responded with a 12-3 run capped by Mitchell's three-pointer to tie the score and send the game to overtime. In the extra period, Harden converted key free throws while the Cavaliers' bench provided crucial defensive stops. The final margin reflected the back-and-forth nature of a contest that featured 15 lead changes. Cleveland now hosts Game 6 on May 15 with a chance to close out the series. The Pistons must win on the road to force a decisive seventh game in Detroit. ESPN highlighted the Cavaliers' resilience after trailing for most of regulation, while Yahoo Sports noted the significance of the first road playoff triumph. NBA.com confirmed the final score and series standing after the overtime thriller.

About the author

Written by Benjamin Hale

Benjamin Hale focuses on political developments and economic policy with an emphasis on thorough investigative methods. His reporting frequently examines the implications of technological advancements on national security. He prioritizes clear analysis and multiple viewpoints to present complex issues accessibly.