Cavaliers Seize 3-2 Lead With 117-113 OT Win as Max Strus Scores 20

14 articles · Updated · Fear the Sword · May 14

Cleveland moved within one win of the next round by beating Detroit 117-113 in overtime in Game 5, with Max Strus delivering 20 points and a string of key plays at both ends.
Strus' first-half 3-point burst kept the Cavaliers close, then Donovan Mitchell scored seven overtime points after a rough shooting night to finish the comeback.
Evan Mobley added 19 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, scoring seven late in regulation, while Jarrett Allen supplied 16 points, 10 rebounds and rim protection.
The win came after Cleveland erased a 15-point deficit and survived a disputed no-call on Ausar Thompson with the score tied at 103 in the final seconds of regulation.
Game 6 is Friday, with Cleveland holding a 3-2 edge and needing one more win to reach its first Eastern Conference finals since 2018.

Was the controversial no-call that sent the game to overtime a justifiable refereeing decision or a game-changing blunder?

Amidst rising foul calls and controversy, is inconsistent officiating becoming the defining narrative of the 2026 NBA playoffs?

Pistons are unbeaten in elimination games; Cavs are undefeated at home. Which team's perfect playoff streak will break in Game 6?