Story perspectives

Cavs Crush Pistons 125-94, Reach First Finals Since 2018

5/18/2026

Summary

Cavaliers Advance

The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 on May 17, 2026, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, their first since 2018.
Donovan Mitchell contributed 26 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and no turnovers.
Jarrett Allen posted a playoff-high 23 points with seven rebounds.
Sam Merrill scored 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including five threes, as Cleveland led 64-47 at halftime and forced 13 first-half turnovers.

Summary

Cavaliers Game7 Win

Cleveland earned a 31-point Game 7 win, the third-largest road margin ever, ESPN says.
Mitchell was traded to Cleveland in September 2022, completing the post-LeBron rebuild.
Mitchell has seven All-Star nods, earned MVP votes this year, and is projected for a third All-NBA team.
The Pistons rebounded from a 14-68 record and a 28-game losing streak in 2023-24 to make the playoffs, with coach JB Bickerstaff saying the loss was “not disappointing.”

History

Historical Context

The Cavaliers entered the 2007-08 season, their 38th, as defending Eastern Conference champions after the 2007 NBA Finals, but lost to the Boston Celtics in the semifinals. Over the next decade, moves such as the 2022 Mitchell trade reshaped the roster, leading to a Game 7 victory over Detroit in 2026.

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Cavaliers Advance

The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 on May 17, 2026, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, their first since 2018.
Donovan Mitchell contributed 26 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and no turnovers.
Jarrett Allen posted a playoff-high 23 points with seven rebounds.
Sam Merrill scored 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including five threes, as Cleveland led 64-47 at halftime and forced 13 first-half turnovers.

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