Harden Drops 30, Cavaliers Beat Pistons in OT for 3-2 Lead
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- James Harden scored a playoff-best 30 points and Donovan Mitchell added 21, powering Cleveland's comeback from 103-94 down with under three minutes left in regulation.
- Cleveland went on a 13-0 run and held Detroit scoreless for five minutes spanning the end of regulation into overtime.
- Cade Cunningham posted 39 points and nine assists for the Pistons, who blew a 15-point first-half lead.
- Evan Mobley tied the game at 103 with free throws at the 45.2-second mark of regulation, and Mitchell's overtime three put Cleveland ahead by seven with 2:39 remaining.
- The Cavaliers lead the series 3-2 and can clinch an Eastern Conference finals matchup with the New York Knicks by winning Game 6 on Friday in Cleveland.
- The top-seeded Pistons would force a decisive Game 7 at home on Sunday by winning Friday.
Why it matters: Cleveland moved one win from the Eastern Conference finals and a matchup with the New York Knicks by completing a 13-0 run after Detroit led by nine with under three minutes left in regulation. The top-seeded Pistons now face elimination Friday in Cleveland, with a potential Game 7 at home Sunday.
