NBA Playoffs 2026: Harden and the Cavs put the Pistons on the ropes

Cleveland Cavaliers is getting closer to the NBA 2026 Playoffs conference finals. The Ohio franchise overcame a nine-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation and defeated Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime to take a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Kenny Atkinson's team, which came in with a concerning 0-5 record as visitors in this postseason, seemed in trouble when Detroit took a 103-94 lead with less than three minutes left. However, the Cavaliers responded with a 9-0 run to tie the game and force overtime.

"That stretch says a lot about our progress," Atkinson said after the game. "Our mental resilience has improved... these guys never give up."

The statistics reflect how much the game shifted in the final minutes. According to ESPN Analytics, when Detroit Pistons reached that nine-point advantage in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, they had a 96.8% chance to win. Nevertheless, Cleveland Cavaliers ended up prevailing with a combined 23-10 run between the end of regulation and overtime.

"It's simply mental strength," explained Donovan Mitchell. "As I always say, it's important to understand that you have something to draw from. In games 1 and 2, you realize we've been through this before."

Mitchell reappeared in the crucial moment and scored seven of his 21 points during overtime, leading a Cavaliers team that knew how to withstand when the game seemed lost.

Harden leads the attack

James Harden delivered his best scoring performance in the playoffs with Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing with 30 points and six assists. The shooting guard was crucial to keep the team alive during the most challenging moments of the game.

Max Strus also played a significant role off the bench, contributing 20 points and eight rebounds in a very complete performance that provided a lift to the Cavaliers during various stretches of the game.

With the victory, Cleveland Cavaliers also regains the emotional edge of the series and is one win away from advancing to the next round after a night that seemed destined for disaster.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Playoffs NBA 2026: Harden y los Cavs dejan a los Pistons contra las cuerdas