The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 117-113 in overtime during Game 5, taking a 3-2 series lead in the NBA playoffs. The series will continue with Game 6 in Cleveland on May 15.
Cavaliers vs Pistons instant reactions to Cavs stealing Game 5 in OT
DETROIT — The Cavaliers and Pistons met for a crucial Game 5 on Wednesday, May 13, with the best-of-seven second-round NBA playoff series tied after four games.
The Pistons took a 2-0 series lead at home before the Cavs evened the series by taking Games 3 and 4 in Cleveland.
In Game 5 in Detroit, the Cavs outlasted the Pistons in overtime 117-113 to win their first game on the road in the playoffs to take a 3-2 series lead. The series will return to Cleveland for Game 6, which is set for 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Rocket Arena.
Cavs playoffs: Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 5 highlights, stats and analysis
Here are Game 5 instant reactions from Beacon Journal writers Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich:
The Cavaliers won Game 5 against the Pistons with a score of 117-113 in overtime.
The Cavaliers currently lead the series 3-2 after their victory in Game 5.
Game 6 is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, May 15, in Cleveland.
Before Game 5, the Cavaliers had evened the series by winning Games 3 and 4 after losing the first two games.

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons high fives teammates prior to Game Five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers hugs James Harden #1 prior to Game Five against the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; A shirt rests on a seat before game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons high fives teammates prior to Game Five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons high fives teammates prior to Game Five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers hugs James Harden #1 prior to Game Five against the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; A shirt rests on a seat before game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Cavs vs Pistons Game 5 injury news: Detroit ruled out starting guard Duncan Robinson before tipoff
Here is a breakdown of the turnover battle in the first four games of the series:
Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich cover the Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. The Beacon Journal sports department can be reached at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs win Game 5 vs Pistons to lead series. Instant reactions