The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 117-113 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. This win gives Cleveland a 3-2 advantage in their playoff series.

The 9-point deficit and Kenny Atkinson's mental strength

The Cleveland Cavaliers demonstrated significant resilience by erasing a late-game lead to force overtime. According to the report, the Detroit Pistons held a 103-94 advantage with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. Cleveland managed to tie the game at 103-103 via free throws from Evan Mobley with 45.2 seconds left on the clock.

Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson attributed this comeback to a growth in the team's psychological approach. Atkinson noted that the late-game stretch highlighted the squad's progress in both mental performance and strength.. This ability to remain composed under pressure has become a hallmark of the Cleveland Cavaliers' current postseason run.

James Harden's 30-point surge and Cade Cunningham's 39

The game featured a high-scoring duel between the two teams' primary offensive engines. James Harden delivered his strongest performance of the playoffs thus far, scoring 30 points while contributing eight rebounds and six assists . He sealed the victory by hitting a free throw and securing the rebound after a missed second attempt in the closing moments.

On the other side , Cade Cunningham put up a massive 39 points and nine assists for the Detroit Pistons. Despite Cunningham's individual brilliance, the Pistons struggled with efficiency elsewhere; for instance, Tobias Harris missed 13 of 19 shots, finishing with 13 points. The Cleveland Cavaliers also benefited from Max Strus, who hit six three-pointers to finish with 20 points, as reported in the source.

The uncalled foul on Ausar Thompson

The transition into overtime was marred by a controversial non-call that left Detroit leadership frustrated. Just before the regulation buzzer, Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons became entangled during a scramble for a loose ball. No foul was called by the officials, a decision that Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff openly criticized.

Bickerstaff claimed that Allen clearly committed a foul by tripping Thompson. this moment remains a point of contention, as a foul call could have potentially altered the game's trajectory before it reached the extra period. whether this represents a officiating lapse or a fair non-call remains a subject of debate among analysts.

Cleveland's first away win of the playoffs

This victory marks a critical milestone for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as it was their first road win of the current playoffs. The Detroit Pistons had previously established a formidable home-court advantage, winning four consecutive home games since their first-round encounter with Orlando. By breaking this streak, Cleveland has shifted the momentum of the series decisively in their favor.

The series now moves to Cleveland for Game 6 on Friday night. As the fourth seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers have the first of two opportunities to clinch the series and advance to the East finals to face the New York Knicks. If the Detroit Pistons can secure a win on Friday, they will host a decisive Game 7 on Sunday.