NBA playoff takeaways: Cavaliers close out Pistons...
SkimNews Take
The Cavaliers' decisive Game 7 win, in contrast to three series sweeps, suggests that while some teams are clearly dominant, the path to the championship can still feature highly competitive, drawn-out battles.
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- Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the No. 1‑seeded Detroit Pistons 4‑3, winning Game 7 125‑94 to reach the Eastern Conference finals.
- Donovan Mitchell posted 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in Game 7, marking his first second‑round advancement in his nine‑year career.
- Jarrett Allen contributed 23 points in Game 7, joining LeBron James as the only Cavs with multiple 20‑point Game 7 performances.
- Sam Merrill knocked down five three‑pointers and added 23 points off the bench in Game 7.
- James Harden was acquired at the trade deadline, bolstering Cleveland’s roster for the playoff push.
Why it matters: Cleveland secures a berth in the Eastern Conference finals, boosting its championship odds and revenue prospects, while Detroit’s early exit ends a 60‑win season and dashes its title hopes.
