The Cavaliers face a crucial Game 7 against the Pistons after losing Game 6, evening the series at 3-3. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. on May 17 in Detroit.
The Cavs and Pistons are two franchises meeting at a crossroads, with one game now dictating very different paths.
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) while going for a loose ball during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Q&A
What time is Game 7 between the Cavaliers and Pistons?
Game 7 is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. on May 17.
What was the outcome of Game 6 between the Cavaliers and Pistons?
The Cavaliers lost Game 6 to the Pistons with a score of 115-94.
What does Game 7 mean for the Cavaliers and Pistons?
Game 7 is a win-or-go-home situation that will determine the playoff fate of both franchises.
Who is leading the narrative for the Cavaliers in the playoffs?
Donovan Mitchell is seen as a key player driving the narrative for the Cavaliers in the playoffs.
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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) goes to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of Game 6 of the second round of the NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) celebrates a 3-pointer against Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) grabs a rebound against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) fouls on Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) as they battle for the loose ball during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff watches a play against Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) defends Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) passes the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff talks to players at a timeout against Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
warms up ahead of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) warms up ahead of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Beat Detroit t-shirts on every seat ahead of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) warms up before game six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A general view of t-shirts lining the seats before game six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) while going for a loose ball during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) goes to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of Game 6 of the second round of the NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) celebrates a 3-pointer against Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
5 / 19
Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) grabs a rebound against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
6 / 19
Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
7 / 19
Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) fouls on Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) as they battle for the loose ball during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff watches a play against Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) defends Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) passes the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff talks to players at a timeout against Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
warms up ahead of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) warms up ahead of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
Beat Detroit t-shirts on every seat ahead of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) warms up before game six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavs vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 6 photos
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A general view of t-shirts lining the seats before game six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
It's J.B. Bickerstaff, facing the team that fired him, against Kenny Atkinson, who was specifically brought in to achieve the kind of playoff success that his predecessor could not in Cleveland. The most nervous person in the building might be Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman, the architect that sent both these franchises on their current collision course with the series of coaching decisions that now have them standing in each other's way.
Then there's James Harden, who has appeared in 17 playoffs without a championship ring, and all the narratives that have followed him for most of his career.
But perhaps nobody has as much on the line as Mitchell, who is entering a heavyweight bout with his own narrative. It's the one about him not being able to make it past the second around in nine years in the NBA. And it's the one now staring him in the face as the Cavs prepare for Game 7.
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson during the first half in Game 6 of a second-round playoff series, May 15, 2026, in Cleveland
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson during the first half in Game 6 of a second-round playoff series, May 15, 2026, in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell stats in NBA playoffs
Perhaps the term "legacy game" gets thrown around too much these days. But for Mitchell, yet another defeat before the conference finals would add some unwanted fuel to that fire. On the flip side, a win in Detroit, which would in turn send the Cavs directly to New York, would represent a massive breakthrough and the most notable line on Mitchell's NBA resume.
It hasn't helped that after going nuclear with a 39-point second half in Game 4 to tie the series, Mitchell has struggled shooting the ball. He was just 1-for-8 from 3-point range in Game 5 (though he did hit a huge 3 in overtime) and then finished Game 6 just 6-for-20 from the field.
"I can't dwell on it," Mitchell said. "I missed shots tonight. Do I think some of them were tougher shots? I could have gotten better [shot selection]? Sure. I can say that about every game.
"It's more so the — everything else. We missed an opportunity, but I can't do nothing, we can't do anything about it. We got to go out there and win on the road."
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren during the first quarter in Game 6 of a second-round playoff series, May 15, 2026, in Cleveland
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren during the first quarter in Game 6 of a second-round playoff series, May 15, 2026, in Cleveland
It's been another difficult path, one made all the more treacherous with the Cavs failing to close out the Pistons in Game 6 at Rocket Arena.
Given the circumstances, this will likely be Mitchell's biggest professional defeat or triumph to date, with little room for anything in-between.
"I mean, everything you want is on the other side of hard," Mitchell said. "Nothing comes easy. You know what I mean? That's kind of how you have to look at it. We can't sit here and dwell on this and carry that into Sunday. What's that going to do for us?
"So, understand we had an opportunity. We missed it. We have another opportunity on Sunday. That's the mindset."
Following this Game 7, the Cavs will either travel to New York with a trip to the NBA finals on the line or return home to Cleveland with a longer-than-wanted summer awaiting them. There's a good chance Mitchell will be a major part of that path one way or another, and all of it will dictate the narrative that follows him around for another summer.
