(WJW) – The Cleveland Cavaliers rallied on the road, in a hostile arena, against the number one seed in the NBA Eastern Conference Wednesday night.

With a win on Friday, they head to the conference finals for the first time since 2018.

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Every time it looked like Detroit was going to run away with game 5, the Cavaliers fought back.

The Pistons blew a 9-point lead with under 3 minutes left in regulation.

And then didn’t score for five minutes from late in the fourth quarter, stretching well into overtime.

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren lays up a shot against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, center, and center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half in Game 5 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins, left, takes a jump shot against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half in Game 5 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half in Game 5 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Cavs Coach Kenny Atkinson said this win came from progress, mental toughness and big plays.

Atkinson said, “You hope it propels us, right? You hope it galvanizes us.

You hope, you know, again, we carry it forward” …. “That was a battle tested win, you know, against a heck of a team on the road.”

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Cavs guard Max Strus said it took resiliency, grit and everything they had to win on the road for the first time this post season.

He acknowledged, “It wasn’t our best night offensively, but I think that’s what speaks volumes to getting this win, was we found a way.”

James Harden, who only joined the team in February, said, “It all comes together, and I think we’re building in the right direction.”

He called the city, the fans and the organization “one whole family” adding it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of.

He said, “It’s like a real family from just the organization and then the city. Like everybody’s connected and you can feel that. So, I’m just happy excited to be a part of you know this organization and the direction that they’re going, and you know give me opportunity I’m going to try to take full advantage of it.”

The Cavaliers face the Detroit Pistons in game six of this playoff series Friday (5/15) at Rocket Arena.

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