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Cavaliers Defeat Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 to Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

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Cavaliers Dominate Pistons in Game 7, Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series on Sunday, winning the series 4-3. The Cavaliers will face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals starting Tuesday.

"He had complete control of the game." — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson on Donovan Mitchell's performance

Game Summary

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, recording zero turnovers. Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill each added 23 points. Evan Mobley contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Cleveland outscored Detroit 58-34 in the paint, shot 50.6% from the field, and held the Pistons to 35.3% shooting.

Daniss Jenkins scored 17 points for Detroit. Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson each finished with 13 points. Cunningham was held 16 points below his playoff average.

Series Context

The Pistons built a 3-1 series lead before the Cavaliers won three consecutive games to advance. This marks the Cavaliers' first trip to the conference finals since 2018 and their first without LeBron James since 1992. The Pistons last won a playoff series in 2008.

Game-by-Game Recap

First Round: Magic vs. Pistons

Game Result Key Performers Game 1 Orlando 112, Detroit 101 Banchero 23 pts; Cunningham 39 pts Game 2 Detroit 98, Orlando 83 Cunningham 27 pts, 11 ast Game 3 Orlando 94, Detroit 88 Bane 22 pts; Wagner exits with calf soreness Game 4 Orlando 94, Detroit 88 Cunningham 25 pts; Bane 22 pts Game 5 Detroit 116, Orlando 109 Cunningham franchise playoff-record 45 pts; Banchero 45 pts Game 6 Detroit 93, Orlando 79 Cunningham 32 pts; Orlando sets playoff low with 19 pts in second half Game 7 Detroit 116, Orlando 94 Harris 30 pts; Cunningham 32 pts, 12 ast

The Pistons became the 15th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.

Second Round: Cavaliers vs. Pistons

Game Result Key Performers Game 1 Detroit 111, Cleveland 101 Cunningham 23 pts; Mitchell 23 pts Game 2 Detroit 107, Cleveland 97 Cunningham 25 pts, 10 ast; Mitchell 31 pts Game 3 Cleveland 116, Detroit 109 Mitchell 35 pts; Cunningham triple-double (27/10/10) Game 4 Cleveland 112, Detroit 103 Mitchell playoff career-high 43 pts (39 in second half) Game 5 Cleveland 117, Detroit 113 (OT) Harden 30 pts; Cunningham 39 pts Game 6 Detroit 96, Cleveland 75 Cunningham 18 pts, 8 ast Game 7 Cleveland 125, Detroit 94 Mitchell 26 pts, 8 ast, 0 turnovers

Key Statistics

  • Cleveland outscored Detroit in the paint 58-34 in Game 7.
  • Detroit shot 35.3% from the field in Game 7; Cleveland shot 50.6%.
  • The Cavaliers have a 5-1 record when Mitchell scores at least 25 points and a 3-5 record when he does not.
  • Mitchell became the first guard since Kobe Bryant in 2002 to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists with zero turnovers in a Game 7.

Statements

"These guys have improved massively. We will grow and be a better team." — Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff

Mitchell said reaching the conference finals was "a breath of fresh air" but added that the team's goal is to reach the NBA Finals.