The Cleveland Cavaliers routed the host Detroit Pistons, 125-94, in the deciding Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semi-finals series in the 2025-26 National Basketball Association (NBA) on Monday, May 18, 2026 (Philippine time).
Cavs Advance to East Finals
With the victory, the Cavaliers advanced to the East finals to face the New York Knicks, who swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the other conference semi-finals series, 4-0.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points. Sam Merrill and Jarrett Allen added 23 points each, while Evan Mobley contributed 21 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
After their dominant 115-94 win in Game 6 that forced a deciding game, the Cavaliers surprisingly overwhelmed the Pistons, especially one of their top players, Cade Cunningham, who managed just 13 points and missed all seven of his three-point attempts.
The Pistons, who were the East No. 1 seed after the regular season, were led by Dannis Jenkins with 17 points. Duncan Robinson added 13 points, and Caris LeVert chipped in 11 points.
In this contest, the Cavaliers outplayed the Pistons in all departments.
Game Recap
From the start, the Cavaliers' offense gradually gained momentum until they built a 20-point lead, 55-35, late in the second quarter. The Cavaliers extended their lead to 26 points and then completely dominated the game, eventually returning to the conference finals for the first time since 2018.
The Cavaliers achieved this even though one of their key players, James Harden, had a cold game, managing only six points.
Series Recap
- Game 1: Det 111-101 Cle
- Game 2: Det 107-97 Cle
- Game 3: Cle 116-109 Det
- Game 4: Cle 112-103 Det
- Game 5: Cle 117-113 Det (OT)
- Game 6: Det 115-94 Cle
- Game 7: Cle 125-94 Det
