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The Detroit Pistons forced a Game 7 after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 in Game 6 at Rocket Arena on Friday night.
For the first time in this postseason, the Cavs lose a game at home.
Game 7 is Sunday night in Detroit.
The Pistons, who had six players in double figures, led by as many as 12 points in the first half, and led 54-51 at halftime. In the second half, Detroit started the third quarter on a 14-4 run to take a 13-point lead. The Pistons would outscore the Cavs 30-19 in the quarter and took an 84-70 lead into the fourth.
Detroit led by double digits the whole fourth quarter and had its largest lead of the game at 115-93 late in the contest.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 21 points and eight assists, Jalen Duren had his best game of the series, recording a double-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, and Paul Reed had a playoff career-high 17 points off the bench. The Pistons got 48 points from their bench in Game 6.
For the Cavs, who had five players in double figures, James Harden had 23 points, seven rebounds, but eight turnovers; Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell had 18 points apiece.
Bottom Line:
The Cavs had an opportunity to close out this series at home, and they played one of their worst games of the series. Their backcourt of Harden and Mitchell was a combined 12/33 from the field. In addition, they combined for 11 of the team’s 20 turnovers.
The Cavs have been at their best when Harden and Mitchell are at their best, and again, they were not at their best in Game 6.
Give credit to the Detroit Pistons. They came into Game 6 on a mission. Cunningham wasn’t great, but everybody else stepped up, including All-Star center Jalen Duren, who came alive in Game 6. In addition, despite fouling out, Ausar Thompson(10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals) was creating havoc.
Now, it’s on to Game 7, which usually favors the home team. It feels like the Pistons have all the momentum. The Cavs’ Game 7 was on Friday. Unfortunately, they won’t regain that momentum.
Expect the Pistons to win Game 7 and battle the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals.