Pistons Dominate Cavaliers in Game 5 Victory
Friday, May 15, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Detroit Pistons 115, Cleveland Cavaliers 94, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Detroit Pistons beat Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 at Rocket Arena on May 15, 2026.
Who was favored in Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive Game 5, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 at Rocket Arena, taking a crucial lead in the series now tied at 2-2. The Pistons' victory showcased their strong recent form, extending their winning streak to four games, while the Cavaliers struggled to keep pace.
The Cavaliers entered the matchup with a home record of 52-30 and had been performing well at home, boasting a 7-3 record in their last ten games, with an average of 121.8 points scored and 119.0 points allowed. However, they faced a formidable opponent in the Pistons, who held a better overall record of 60-22 and were 8-2 in their last ten games, averaging 119.9 points scored and allowing just 108.1 points.
At home, the Cavaliers had a record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Pistons were perfect in their last four away games. The disparity in recent performance was evident as the Pistons capitalized on their momentum. In previous meetings this season, the teams had split their encounters, with the Cavaliers winning 113-109 in their last matchup on March 4, 2026, while the Pistons had won earlier in the season 122-119.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the impact of player availability can often sway the outcome in playoff games. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated the Cavaliers were favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 209.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the series, but the Pistons' performance in Game 5 proved them to be the stronger side.
The conditions at Rocket Arena were conducive to a high-paced game, but the Pistons' defense stifled the Cavaliers’ scoring opportunities. Key plays in the fourth quarter included a series of three-pointers from Daniss Jenkins, who contributed significantly to the Pistons' lead. Jenkins made a 22-foot jumper with an assist from Caris LeVert, followed by another three-pointer assisted by Cade Cunningham, which pushed the score to 112-91.
The final scoring plays highlighted the Pistons' dominance, with Paul Reed adding a long-range shot that capped off the game at 115-94. The Cavaliers struggled to respond, only managing a few free throws and a late basket from Jaylon Tyson. Ultimately, the Pistons' ability to maintain their defensive pressure and capitalize on offensive opportunities was key to their victory.
As the series continues, both teams will need to adjust their strategies, but the Pistons have established themselves as a formidable opponent, showcasing their depth and resilience.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -3.5 | 209.5 o -110 / u -110 | Detroit Pistons +145 · Cleveland Cavaliers -175 |
Leaders
- PointsJames Harden23Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsJames Harden4Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsJarrett Allen8Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsCade Cunningham21Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham8Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsJalen Duren11Detroit Pistons
Recent form
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W1121.8 scored · 119 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W130-117vs Washington WizardsApr 12
- L102-124at Atlanta HawksApr 10
- W122-116vs Atlanta HawksApr 8
- W142-126at Memphis GrizzliesApr 7
- W117-108vs Indiana PacersApr 5
- W118-111at Golden State WarriorsApr 3
- L113-127at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
- W122-113at Utah JazzMar 31
- W149-128vs Miami HeatMar 27
- L103-120vs Miami HeatMar 25
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 8-2Streak W3119.9 scored · 108.1 allowed per game4-2 away
- W133-121at Indiana PacersApr 12
- W118-100at Charlotte HornetsApr 10
- W137-111vs Milwaukee BucksApr 8
- L107-123at Orlando MagicApr 6
- W116-93at Philadelphia 76ersApr 4
- W113-108vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 2
- W127-116vs Toronto RaptorsApr 1
- L110-114at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 31
- W109-87at Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 28
- W129-108vs New Orleans PelicansMar 26
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Detroit Pistons | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-82 | 30-77 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 16-36 | 12-35 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 34 |
| Free throws | 13-19 | 22-30 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 24 |
| Assists | 25 | 15 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 20 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 28 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 26 |
| Fouls | 22 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 22 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 80 | 16 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter70-61Paul Reed makes driving layup (Ausar Thompson assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-61Paul Reed makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter71-62James Harden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-63James Harden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-63Duncan Robinson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-66Sam Merrill makes 26-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-68Sam Merrill makes driving layup (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-68Paul Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-68Duncan Robinson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Caris LeVert assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-68Paul Reed makes layup (Duncan Robinson assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-70Evan Mobley makes 1-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter82-70Paul Reed makes layup (Duncan Robinson assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-70Marcus Sasser makes 1-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter87-70Duncan Robinson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter87-73Evan Mobley makes 23-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter87-74James Harden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-75James Harden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-75Marcus Sasser makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter90-77Donovan Mitchell makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter92-77Marcus Sasser makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-80Donovan Mitchell makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter94-80Jalen Duren makes turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter94-82Evan Mobley makes 1-foot dunk (James Harden assists)
- 4th Quarter95-82Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-82Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-85James Harden makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter98-85Jalen Duren makes driving layup (Tobias Harris assists)
- 4th Quarter100-85Tobias Harris makes 1-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter102-85Daniss Jenkins makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter102-86Evan Mobley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-86Paul Reed makes two point shot (Tobias Harris assists)
- 4th Quarter104-89James Harden makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter104-90Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-91Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-91Daniss Jenkins makes 22-foot three point jumper (Caris LeVert assists)
- 4th Quarter109-91Jalen Duren makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter112-91Daniss Jenkins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter112-93Jaylon Tyson makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot (Keon Ellis assists)
- 4th Quarter115-93Paul Reed makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter115-94Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours Detroit Pistons.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsJames Williams, Zach Zarba, Nick Buchert, Ray Acosta
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