For the first time in eight years, the Cleveland Cavaliers will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after thumping the Detroit Pistons in a 125‑94 blowout in Game 7 on Monday. It is the Cavs’ second Game 7 victory this playoffs.
Donovan Mitchell once again willed the wine‑and‑gold to victory, scoring 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Jarrett Allen followed with 23 points and 7 boards.
“We had to get the job done… It’s a tough arena to win in, and we knew that every single possession, every single play was important,” Allen said postgame.
Cavs Outhustle Detroit to Move to Conference Finals
Despite playing the do‑or‑die match in enemy territory, Cleveland remained unfazed as they immediately jumped to a 31‑22 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
The scorching hot Cavs continued their run until the final buzzer, with four players finishing with 20 points or more.
With the victory, Cleveland secured its first conference finals appearance since 2018, setting up a clash with the New York Knicks, who are riding momentum after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.
Evan Mobley notched a 21‑point, 12‑rebound double‑double, while Sam Merrill lit up the bench with 23 points.
Pistons End Season in Disappointing Fashion
The first‑seeded Pistons concluded their season in the second round, suffering an embarrassing blowout loss in Game 7.
Cade Cunningham—who finished fifth in this year’s MVP voting—closed his 2026 campaign with only 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, including an atrocious 0‑for‑7 from deep. Daniss Jenkins capped off a promising season with 17 points.
As a team, Detroit shot 35% from the field and 30% from deep, while committing 14 turnovers.
The Cavs will face New York in Game 1 on Wednesday.
