The Cleveland Cavaliers booked their tickets to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018, defeating the Detroit Pistons behind a dominant Game 7 showing.
Cleveland’s process was strong from the jump. Donovan Mitchell got them rolling with his playmaking, racking up 5 assists in the first half as the Cavs had 10 assists on their first 13 field goals. That, combined with starting Max Strus in place of Dean Wade, allowed the Cavalier offense to get off to a hot start.
The Cavs won the
first quarter for what felt like the first time all series and carried that momentum forward.
Sam Merrill leaped off the bench and nailed four three-pointers in the first half. His three-point barrage fueled the Cavs while both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen pounded the paint to build a comfortable 20-point lead. Defense turned into offense, and it felt like this team could do no wrong.
At one point in the second quarter, the Cavs had more assists (17) than the Pistons had made field goals (14). The ball was humming, and Cleveland reaped the rewards.
The lead only swelled from there.
Cleveland’s execution was relentless. They generated a clean look every time down the floor, with mounting pressure on the rim from Allen. He stormed downhill repeatedly, thundering multiple dunks in the third quarter. On the other end, the Cavs defended on a string, ramping up the intensity even as their lead was in the 20s.
That’s how you deliver a knockout blow.
Mitchell deserves credit. He’s struggled throughout the postseason and has let some of his worst tendencies lead the way in Cleveland’s losses. As such, Mitchell faced more pressure than anyone entering this game. He had a lot on the line, and he responded by playing arguably the best game (from a process standpoint) of his playoff career.
The Cavs were led in scoring by Mitchell with 26 points, to go with 8 assists and 0 turnovers. Allen added 23 points while Mobley (21 points) and Merrill (23 points) contributed in key stretches.
It’s fitting that Cleveland has shown so much growth in the last two rounds, and will now receive the ultimate test of that growth by facing the opponent who gave them their first whooping in 2023. Tonight’s win is worth celebrating. On Tuesday, we’re right back in the fire.
