The Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime during Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals. The win gives Cleveland a 3-2 series lead, setting up a pivotal Game 6. James Harden scored 30 points, while Donovan Mitchell added 21 for the Cavs. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 39 points but struggled with six turnovers. Jalen Duren, who averaged 19.5 points in the regular season, scored just nine points and remains a focal point of criticism.
Cavs Coach Kenny Atkinson praised his team's mental toughness, while Pistons Coach J.B. Bickerstaff warned that Cleveland would not go down easily. The Pistons, who overcame a 3-1 deficit in the first round, now face elimination in Game 6.
Charles Barkley criticized Duren's rebounding, calling his two rebounds in Game 4 'two more than a dead person.' Duren improved slightly in Game 5 with five rebounds but remains a key area of concern for Detroit.