Evan Mobley and Max Strus fueled a resilient OT road breakthrough, overcoming Cade Cunningham’s 39-point gem to push Detroit to the brink and secure a pivotal series advantage.
It took an extra frame, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are now in the driver’s seat of their series against the Detroit Pistons.
Cleveland took a pivotal 3-2 series lead in a gritty overtime win that took a clutch performance by Evan Mobley as well as a stellar shooting display behind the arc.
After dropping the first two games of the series, the Cavaliers now appear to be in completely control.
For more on what it took to get the big win for Cleveland, Cavs Roundtable writer Spencer Davies has more.
The 117-113 victory was the Cavaliers’ first road victory of the postseason. The team was previously 0-5 on the road, but a perfect 6-0 at home.
That was enough to help them escape their first round matchup against the Toronto Raptors, but would have eventually spelled trouble without stealing at least one victory away from home this series.
Mobley’s 19-point night was highlighted by a seven-point outburst late in the fourth quarter, which helped the Cavaliers close the deficit in time to force an extra period.
Max Strus shot a masterful 6-of-8 from three point range, adding 20 points of his own. James Harden led the team in scoring with a 30-point night.
At one point, the Pistons looked ready to run away with the game behind star guard Cade Cunningham’s 39-point display. But Detroit couldn’t hold on to the lead in the closing minutes of regulation.
The series will continue Friday night as the teams travel back to Cleveland, where the Cavaliers are currently undefeated. If Cleveland wins, it will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals to take on the awaiting New York Knicks.